They may not be enjoying the best start to the county season, but having won their first major competition in their 16- year history last season, could the Durham Dynamos be lifting their first County Championship title come September?

Back on the England sidelines this summer, Steve Harmison looks to be finding form with last week’s hat-trick crowning a quickly improving county season. If England stick with their current bowling attack and Harmison finds himself back to near his best he could be a very valuable asset to the county and make all the difference when the rain clears and the season really gets down to business.           

Harmison is not the only England player who could be featuring for Durham this season. When he is on form, Liam Plunkett can take the fight to any side and if he starts hitting his straps alongside his team-mate the Dynamos could have a fearsome bowling unit on their hands.           

With his recent slump in form, it looks as if England Test batsman and occasional bowler Paul Collingwood could be enjoying some time on the sidelines this summer if things do not pick up. It would be to Durham’s gain if he were to rediscover his best form in their colours.           

Last but not least, recently discarded ODI wicket keeper Phil Mustard will now be back with his county full time. Like Mustard, Durham have found their best form in limited overs cricket but success in the longer form of the game is certainly not out of reach.

The team that tasted their first silverware in 2007 will undoubtedly have renewed energy and ambition with which to challenge for county cricket’s top honour this season.