Sussex have not given up hope of seeing more from Mir Hamza.

But the Pakistan fast bowler is not part of their squad to face Durham at Hove today (11am).

Hamza has missed the recent draws against Gloucestershire and Worcestershire due to a back problem.

Sussex make one change to the 13-man party as they aim for a first home Championship win of the season. Delray Rawlins replaces Danny Briggs.

There could be a home debut for Aaron Thomason, whose innings of 90 in the second innings at Kidderminster helped ensure a draw.

That result keeps them right in the thick of the division two promotion race, a position they have established despite various challenges thrown in their path.

The continuing absence of Phil Salt, with a hand injury, and Hamza, are among them.

Speaking soon after the draw at Kidderminster, Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie said Hamza might have played his last Sussex game of the season.

But the picture was a little more positive as he updated The Argus yesterday afternoon.

Gillespie said: “We are hopeful he may be able to play in a couple of weeks.”

More news is expected today but Hamza remains a big miss – whether it be temporary or permanent.

Speaking on Friday, Gillespie said: “He has been an outstanding pro, he has bowled his overs and has been absolutely brilliant around the dressing room with the lads.

“He has worked the young players and been a fantastic pro.

“You couldn’t ask for any more in county cricket.”

Sussex will hope their top-order batsmen give them a better platform than has often been the case.

That is an area of the team where there could be a change as Tom Haines hopes for a recall.

Rawlins is also available after replacing Briggs yesterday afternoon in the 13-man squad which had already been announced.

The county reported Briggs, who did not make the XI at Kidderminster, has a minor ankle problem and is being rested.

Sussex opened the season with a home defeat by Leicestershire and, in the absence of top wicket-taker Ollie Robinson, could only draw with Glamorgan at Hove and Northants on the road having built big leads.

Their two wins to date have come at Durham and Middlesex.

Throw in injuries to Salt, Hamza, George Garton and on-loan Jared Warner plus the absence of Jofra Archer – and some self-inflicted wounds with the bat – and Sussex have not been without headaches this term.

Despite all that, they are well-placed to challenge for promotion.

Gillespie said: “We are sitting equal second now. There have been a couple of missed opportunities.

“Our first game of the season against Leicestershire was a pretty disappointing performance, to be honest.

“We potentially missed a couple of opportunities in the season to win a couple of games.

“At this stage, I will certainly take being second and obviously there is a lot of cricket to come.

“We will just keep chipping away, focussing on the right things and playing as consistent cricket as we possibly can.”

Gillespie is keen not to under-estimate Durham, who have been well beaten at Hove and Arundel in the last two years.

He said: “They are always a tough, hard-nosed team.

“They may not have quite had the start they wanted this summer but you know they are hard-fought games.

“We are going to have to be at our best, no doubt.”