Yorkshire have been handed a fitness boost with the news that Anthony McGrath looks set to return to the side for their next LV= County Championship division one game with Durham.

The 35-year-old missed the emphatic weekend win over Worcestershire after failing to fully recover from knee surgery, but is expected to be back for the county’s first home game of the season which starts on Thursday.

“Things are looking good with Mags,” explained director of cricket Martyn Moxon.

“He has had a good week training with us and hopefully he will be available for selection.”

McGrath’s return to the side would be a major plus for the Tykes, who got their season off to the perfect start with a nine-wicket win at New Road on Sunday.

Although it ended up being a comfortable success against this season’s relegation favourites in division one, one area which did look vulnerable was the top order.

Opener Adam Lyth was in fine touch, but collectively the top five only managed 83 runs in the first innings.

Moxon admits McGrath, who hit 1,219 runs in the Championship last season, would provide the team with some much needed experience if he returns.

He said: “The top order is one area where we can be better. We had three or four disappointing dismissals in the first six wickets in our first innings against Worcestershire. That is an area we can improve on going into Thursday.

“Let’s hope he is fit because Mags coming back will give us some steel at the top of the order. He is a class player and gives us a lot at number three.”

Yorkshire have also confirmed they do not expect Ajmal Shazhad to return for the four-day match with Durham at Headingley.

This is despite the news the England star appeared to suggest that he thinks he is ready to play again.

The fast bowler has been told to rest by the ECB as he recovers from the hamstring injury which forced him to fly home from the World Cup.

Speaking at a NatWest CricketForce event in Derbyshire he said: “I think the injury is fine. I have not really been doing anything too strenuous, but I feel fine and strong. I should be ready to go in Yorkshire’s next game.”

However, Moxon quickly played down his chances of a return to action so soon, confirming “he will not be playing against Durham”.

This means the same bowling attack which performed so well against Worcestershire is likely to remain in place for the match in Leeds.

Play starts at 11 am on Thursday, with Yorkshire hoping to make it two LV= County Championship wins in a row to start the 2011 season in style.