Hegg - Hick is Worcestershire's dangerman

Lancashire's captain Warren Hegg believes that Graeme Hick is his team's biggest obstacle, if they are to overcome Worcestershire and reach the final of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy.

Hegg, speaking ahead of Saturday's semi-final clash at New Road, warned that Hick is still capable of producing a match-defining innings. "The last time we played a semi-final at New Road he scored a century," said Hegg, "and you can never be complacent with him around."

The good news for Lancashire is that they actually went on to win that last meeting, back in 1995. Wasim Akram made a rapid 64 in a late partnership with Hegg, as Lancashire won by three wickets. "It was one of the most memorable matches I've ever been involved in," said Hegg, "and it was one of Wasim's great performances.

"We had no right to win, we didn't have a chance until Wasim smacked their bowling around. I remember the crowd storming onto the field at the end after we'd won and someone pinched Gary Yates's cap. I think he got it back but we stayed in the dressing-room celebrating for hours afterwards."

Looking ahead to Saturday, Hegg said he expected a similarly enthusiastic crowd. "We have players in top form but Worcestershire are having a good season as well and it could be just as tight again. They have made some good signings and have brought through players like Vikram Solanki and Kabir Ali. The atmosphere should be terrific - just what you need for a big cup game."

Both teams have been lifted by the return of their Test players. Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson have been cleared by the ECB to take part in the match for Lancashire, while South Africa's Andrew Hall has been given special permission to return for Worcestershire, by whom he had been signed as an overseas player before his call-up to the Test squad.