Croft: I’ll do anything for the team – even if it means not playing

STEVEN Croft admits it was tough to drop himself from Lancashire’s Specsavers County Championship side.

But the Red Rose skipper says he will continue to leave himself out if it is the best thing for the team.

Croft dropped himself from the side for the last Championship match against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl earlier this month after a poor four-day campaign so far in which he has yet to reach 50 and has scored just 207 runs in nine innings.

He is in the 13-man squad named by head coach Glen Chapple for the clash with Warwickshire at Emirates Old Trafford which starts today, but could again leave himself out if they decide to play two spinners and three seamers.

Although he is desperate to play in every game, Croft – who last week was awarded a testimonial by the club for next year – says the decision is always based on what is best for the team.

“It was very difficult not to pick myself,” Croft told M.E.N. Sport. “Chappie and I talked through the side and the possible scenarios and teams we could have played, and we suggested a couple without me in it and it was probably the right way to go at Hampshire.

“We had a strong batting line-up with Jos Buttler available. It was the best option for us as a team.

“It was disappointing, but not the end of the world.

“It is never nice missing out, and you never know how long it is going to be for. If the lads bat really well, it could be for the rest of the season, you never know.

“It was a tough one. But I will do anything to benefit the team.

“As professional cricketers we are only here for a short time really, even if you have a 10 or 15-year career, and you always have to leave the club in a better place than when you started.

“You would rather have the team win trophies and have your picture up in that pavilion with your team doing that than a few more games under your belt.

“We want to go out there with the best side possible in every game.”

Lancashire head into the final five matches of the campaign still very much in the hunt for the title. They sit second, 41 points behind Essex, who they still have to play at Emirates Old Trafford.

In fact, Lancashire have three of their five matches at Old Trafford, starting with the visit of bottom-ofthe-table Warwickshire, who former head coach Ashley Giles left the Red Rose for during the close season.

“We are two wins away from Essex, and have to play them once. So if we can manage a win somewhere, and also beat them, then it is on,” said Croft.