Stand-in England captain Alec Stewart will start his preparations for the second Test by facing Sussex tomorrow.

Stewart, who will lead England against Pakistan at Old Trafford on Thursday week because Nasser Hussain has a broken thumb, and Graham Thorpe have been given permission by coach Duncan Fletcher to play in the Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final at Hove (10.45am).

Their return means Surrey could field a team made up entirely of internationals with Martin Bicknell, who missed Sunday's Norwich Union League defeat by Leicestershire, available again after injury.

Sussex skipper Chris Adams will decide after practice today whether to return after nearly a month out with a broken thumb.

Adams netted for the first time yesterday since breaking his thumb nearly a month ago and came through without any problems. He will face the seamers today, but his chances of playing are rated no better than 50-50.

Sussex have won their last five matches in all competitions, a run has instilled plenty of confidence in their ranks as they bid to reach the semi-finals for only the second time.

Coach Peter Moores said: "It's going to be hard but we are playing well at the moment and fancy our chances against anyone in our own backyard."