READ teenager Oliver Newby was handed his first class debut by Lancashire at Durham University today.

The 18-year-old seamer, who was given a scholarship by Lancashire this summer and has impressed for the second team in their early season matches, was one of several youngsters called up for the three-day game as most of the senior players take a break.

Newby linked up with Steven Crook, also on his first class debut, and Sajid Mahmood in a raw pace attack, with more experienced spin support from Chris Schofield and Gary Keedy.

And Paul Horton, a 20-year-old batsman who was born in Sydney but has grown up on Merseyside and now plays for Sefton, became a third debutant in a batting line-up which also included Poynton youngster Mark Currie.

Glen Chapple and Peter Martin have been given the chance to rest their niggles while John Wood and Kyle Hogg were ruled out by shin and calf injuries respectively, and James Anderson and Andy Flintoff are away with England - although Flintoff is now injured as well.

Lancashire's batting line-up had a slightly more familiar look with Alec Swann and Mark Chilton, aiming for a third consecutive century on the ground where he scored his only ton last season.

Carl Hooper was also included as he looks to shake off the rustiness following his long post-World Cup lay-off, with Jamie Haynes taking over as wicketkeeper from Warren Hegg.

Games against Durham University Centre of Cricketing Excellence were given first class status last year.

Meanwhile, Flintoff now looks likely to be ruled out of Lancashire's C&G Trophy tie against Durham at the Riverside next Wednesday, after pulling out of England's squad for this week's First Test against Zimbabwe yesterday.

Flintoff admitted that he now faces a battle to be fit for the Second Test, which starts at the Riverside two weeks tomorrow.