Comeback captain to hand Lancs huge boost
LANCASHIRE’S fight against relegation is set to be boosted by the timely return of captain Liam Livingstone.
The Red Rose skipper has been out of action since breaking his thumb at the start of the Vitality Blast campaign.
However, he was bowling in the middle during the intervals in Lancashire’s crucial Specsavers County Championship victory over Worcestershire at Southport last week.
And, after batting in the nets, he smashed an 214 off just 125 balls, with 13 sixes, on his return to action playing as a deputy pro for Cheadle in their North Staffs and South Cheshire Division One match against Barlaston on Saturday.
He also played for Cheadle in their Talbot Cup final clash with Pothill Park yesterday.
Having come through both games, he is set to be named in the Lancashire squad for their Championship match against title-chasing Somerset at Taunton, which starts tomorrow. He will also be a major boost for the Vitality Blast Finals Day on September 15.
Lancashire’s stunning win over Worcestershire on Friday has lifted them off the bottom of the Division One table into fifth, but they are still in relegation trouble as they head into their final three games – all away from home.
Yorkshire’s defeat to Somerset has given them a boost, however, the Red Rose are only nine points ahead of bottom club Worcestershire, two ahead of their Roses rivals and one better than Hampshire, but all three have a game in hand on Lancashire.
After this week’s clash with Somerset, Glen Chapple’s men then face what will be an absolutely crucial Roses match at Headingly before finishing the campaign off at Hampshire.