Lancashire captain Tom Smith nearing return to full fitness
Friday 13 November 2015 18:36, UK
Lancashire captain Tom Smith hardly featured for Lancashire last season, but is working hard to recover from injury in time to report back with the rest of the squad next week.
The left-handed batsman sustained a freak back injury early in the year which meant he spent more time on the treatment table than on the field of play.
"I just did it one morning rolling out of bed," Smith told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I had sharp shooting pains and a burning sensation all the way down my leg. All the power in my leg had just gone. It was almost as if it had vanished."
The skipper featured just once last season but maintained a presence around the Lancashire changing room, and was with the squad on T20 Finals day and when they clinched promotion to County Championship Division One.
"It's always good fun to be around the changing room and seeing the lads out there doing well," Smith said.
"They had a great season - winning the T20 after coming so close last season - and winning promotion in the Championship. I certainly had the best seat in the house."
Lancashire's historic Old Trafford ground will play host to a Test match between England and Pakistan next summer, a venue where the home side have not lost in the longer format in 14 years.
"We are a traditional cricket ground we have been here over 150 years," Lancashire chief executive Daniel Gidney said.
"England have been playing here for a very long time - well over 100 years - and it's become a core part of our heritage and history."
Tickets for the second Test between England and Pakistan at Old Trafford are available to purchase here.
