Lancashire: Whatmore laughs off Wasim injury scare (24 Jul 1998)

24 July 1998

Whatmore laughs off Wasim injury scare

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Lancashire coach Dave Whatmore today dismissed a fresh injury scare surrounding Wasim Akram, writes Andy Wilson.

Wasim went off the field late yesterday at Colwyn Bay after bowling five overs in Glamorgan's innings, and was reported this morning to have a groin strain.

But Whatmore said: "That's rubbish. I think he had a little problem with his boot, but it was so minor I didn't even bother asking."

Wasim returned to the field within 10 minutes before rain stopped play an hour early, and was set to lead the Lancashire attack again today.

Lancashire needed early wickets after Glamorgan made a good start in their reply to a total of 366.

Wayne Law and Ismail Dawood, who was caught behind off Peter Martin first thing this morning, are the 15th opening partnership Glamorgan have used this season, but they put on 60 in just 13 overs and the score progressed to 69 today.

In Wasim's brief absence John Crawley took over the captaincy and gave an over to Chris Schofield - the young leg spinner's first in first class cricket, allowing Peter Martin to switch ends. Earlier Lancashire had done well to extend their overnight 213-4 to 366 and claim maximum batting points.

Crawley made 124, the highest of his three centuries this season, taking his tally of championship runs to 792 in 15 innings.

Warren Hegg hit a quick 25 but it was Wasim who really lifted the pace with 43 from 55 balls including two big sixes - his best score of the season.

Crawley also struck a crucial blow for Lancashire and a painful one for Matthew Maynard when he felled the Glamorgan skipper with a fierce cover drive. Maynard went to hospital last night for checks and was still in pain today - he may now consider fielding in a box.

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