Lancashire season preview

Red Rose hoping to bloom into county champions at last

By Rob Lancaster   Last updated: 14th April 2008

stuart law

Law: New man in charge at Old Trafford

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Lancashire can't get much closer than last year to ending their long wait for the County Championship title.

Chasing 489 to beat Surrey and take the trophy from Sussex, the Red Rose county suffered heartbreak yet again when they fell just 25 runs short.

The disappointment of getting so close only to fall short was too much for skipper Mark Chilton, who decided the time was right to step aside.

Stuart Law has taken over the leadership duties and will be hoping he can lead the team to glory, something he managed to do when in charge of Queensland Down Under.

Although Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will not be back at Old Trafford, Lancashire look likely to be among the front runners again.

Australian batsman Brad Hodge returns, Mal Loye is still going strong and the emergence of Paul Horton, who appears to be lined up to be Law's long-term replacement, should mean big scores for the bowlers to work with.

Bowling options

Left-armer Gary Keedy will be the frontline spinner and should be helped by a seam bowling department that looks as strong as ever.

Dominic Cork and Glen Chapple provide the experience to go alongside the raw talents of Sajid Mahmood, an afterthought for the national selectors right now, Oliver Newby, Tom Smith and Kyle Hogg.

The X-factor for the Lightning could well be how much they see of their two England stars - James Anderson and in particular, Andrew Flintoff.

The all-rounder is once again on the road to recovery following yet another ankle operation and his presence, albeit maybe for only the opening months, could prove crucial.

Lancashire also have enough talent in their squad to make a challenge in all three of the one-day competitions.

Once again they will start as one of the favourites for the Twenty20 Cup, a tournament they have always done well in without actually winning. However, it is the Championship prize that they covet most - will 2008 will be the year the bridesmaid finally gets to walk down the aisle?

Big year for: Gary Keedy - Without spin king Muralitharan it will be down to trusty left-armer Keedy to spin his county to victory, particularly at Old Trafford if the sun comes out.

One to watch: Tom Smith - Suffered a little from the second-season blues but has all the components to be a top-class bowler. Can also score some useful runs down the order.

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