Lancashire: Schofield set for title showdown (4 Aug 1998)

4 August 1998

schofield set for title showdown

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Chris Schofield is set for his Old Trafford Championship debut as Lancashire shake up their spinners for tomorrow's visit of top four rivals Gloucestershire, writes ANDY WILSON.

Lancashire had expected the Littleborough leggie, who made his first team bow at Colwyn Bay two weeks ago, to be unavailable until September because of England Under 19 commitments.

But after playing in the limited overs games against Pakistan last week, and missing Lancashire's game against Leicestershire, Schofield now has 10 days free before the first under 19 "Test".

And Lancashire are keen both to give him more experience, and to get a leg spinner into their side.

Gary Yates could also be set for a surprise first Championship appearance of the season, and remains a key member of the attack.

But Lancashire appeared to have written him off as a one-day specialist.

However now he is back in the squad which could mean bad news for fellow off spinner Mike Watkinson.

Lancashire will not finalise their attack until tomorrow morning, but they would prefer to face Gloucestershire on a turning pitch rather than one which favours Gloucester's seam attack, led by West Indian veteran Courtney Walsh.

It's a big game for both sides, especially after the events of the last few days. While Lancashire's game against Leicestershire was almost a complete washout, with only 66 overs possible on all four days, Surrey claimed a maximum 24 points by beating Sussex at The Oval, and Gloucestershire gained ground simply by not playing.

Surrey now lead by 40 points from Leicestershire, who have a game in hand, with Gloucestershire a further two points behind with two games in hand.

Then it's Lancashire, one point behind Gloucester having played a game more, so they must win this week to retain even an outside title chance.

The good news for both sides is that the weather is forecast to hold fair until the weekend. Surrey face Derbyshire at The Oval starting on Thursday, while Leicester are at home to Somerset tomorrow.

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