I can't wait for cup to start, says Austin (10 May 1999)

10 May 1999

I can't wait for cup to start, says Austin

Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Ian Austin today looked ahead to the biggest week of his cricketing life and said: "I can't wait for it to get started."

The Lancashire all-rounder looks certain to be selected for England's opening World Cup game against Sri Lanka at Lord's on Friday after another impressive bowling performance in the second warm-up match against Essex yesterday.

He was England's most economical bowler, conceding only nine runs from his first six overs - a crucial effort as England sneaked to an unconvincing one-run win.

And Austin, who handed England a fitness scare before the tournament when he suffered a thigh strain, said: "I have felt good, both in the Essex game and against Kent last Friday.

"I have had no problem again with the thigh muscle, it seems to be holding up fine.

"Now all I want is for the real competition to start. I can't wait for Friday."

Andy Flintoff also looked good yesterday in making a quick 15 before falling lbw to former Lancashire all-rounder Ronnie Irani, and like Austin, has a key role in coach David Lloyd's masterplan.

And the third Lancastrian in the squad, Neil Fairbrother, is a certain starter after proving his form and fitness with an unbeaten half century against Kent on Friday, which earned him a day off yesterday.

Meanwhile the other Lancashire players will get their taste of the World Cup carnival this week.

A Lancashire team was facing Scotland at Old Trafford today, with Wasim Akram returning to his old stamping ground with Pakistan on Wednesday.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)