Collingwood had been expected to sit out the contest at the Riverside as he begins preparations for next week's first Test against South Africa.

But after a tumultuous past month, the 32-year-old all-rounder has decided the challenge of trying to help his county into another Lord's final would best serve him ahead of a Test vital in his career.

Collingwood was criticised for opting out of county action before the final Test against New Zealand last month because his form had been poor.

He again failed to impress in that match at Trent Bridge, recording a duck to end the series with a batting average of 10.66, but he showed signs of recovery in the subsequent one-day internationals.

He then returned to domestic cricket and, after hitting an unbeaten 44 to steer Durham to an eight-wicket win over Yorkshire in the LV County Championship, is now keen to get another game under his belt.

Durham coach Geoff Cook said: "The fact he scored a few runs in the second innings and started to play something like his old self, he really felt he wanted to play this game and try to keep that little bit of form he is developing moving forward."

SEE Friday's Mail for full story