Austin fitness fight (12 July 1999)

12 July 1999

Austin fitness fight

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Ian Austin is fighting to get over an Achilles ankle strain to play in Lancashire's championship clash with Glamorgan at Blackpool on Wednesday.

Austin was hurt during the Old Trafford game against Sri Lanka A which ended in a deeply embarrassing 179 runs defeat, and was off the field for most of the day. In his absence the Sri Lankan tailenders Pryankam Wickramasinghe and Indika Gallage shocked Lancashire by piling on 134.

It was the second highest 10th wicket stand against Lancashire, bettered only by the 172 of Surrey's Andy Needham and Robin Jackman at Old Trafford in 1982 and it built the platform for a remarkable Sri Lankan victory.

A victory target of 281 on a dusty, turning wicket was a formidable one right from the start but it became mission impossible when left arm spinner Rangana Herath began to torment the Red Rose batsmen.

Herath claimed 6-45, including five of the top six who were aiming to use this game for much-needed batting practice, and Lancashire were shot out for 101 in 35 overs.

Coach Dav Whatmore was left to make a quiet goodbye. He stays on the books until the end of this month, but this was his last match in charge - John Crawley takes over at Blackpool.

Whatmore said: "I'm sad to be leaving and I wish Lancashire all the best."

It was hardly the best way to make his exit. Gary Yates and Chris Schofield had given Lancashire a stranglehold, reducing Sri Lanka to 1409 by grabbing eight wickets for 18 runs, but Wickramasinghe and Gallage batted superbly.

And only another defiant Jamie Haynes show, top-scoring for the second time in succession, took Lancashire into three figures.

Source :: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph