Wasim set to step in for skipper (28 May 1997)

28 May 1997

Wasim set to step in for skipper

Lancishire Evening Telegram

WASIM AKRAM is set to return to the Lancashire captaincy against Leicestershire tomorrow as they aim to kick-start their Championship season with a repeat of their last visit to Grace Road. The Pakistan star set an inspirational lead two years ago with 11 wickets and a match-winning unbeaten half century in his second game as Lancashire skipper with Mike Watkinson on Test duty.

And with Watkinson still struggling with his arm problem, Wasim is set to lead the team again.

"There would have to be a dramatic improvement in my arm to allow me to play," said Watkinson today.

He aggravated the injury for a second time in Sunday's Axa Life League victory over Northants at Old Trafford and is set to miss his third consecutive Championship game.

"I have tried everything to bring about an improvement," added Watkinson. "I had a scan this week which showed no damage to any of the muscles. But I am still getting pain. It has been so frustrating.

"It's not just that I miss playing, but the team have also had to find a new captain. We are lucky to have highly experienced players to pick from like Wasim, Athers and Neil Fairbrother." Fairbrother skippered Lancashire for the first time in four years against Northants last week, but vice-captain Wasim has now recovered from the shoulder problem which ruled him out of that game.

Lancashire have a 100 per cent record under the Pakistan Test skipper in Championship cricket, with three wins out of three in 1995. And it's been the same story this season with Lancashire winning all four games in the Benson and Hedges Cup and Sunday League between his arrival and Watkinson's first return.

Mike Atherton, John Crawley and Graham Lloyd are also back on board tomorrow, but left arm spinner Gary Keedy retains his place in the attack.

Leicestershire, champions in 1996, are unbeaten at Grace Road since Lancashire's last visit and have started the season in good form - they are third in the table, and qualified for the semi-finals of the Benson and Hedges Cup yesterday.

For their overseas player they have replaced one player well-known in the Lancashire Leagues. Phil Simmons, with another - South African all-rounder Neil Johnson.

Lancashire (probable): Atherton, Gallian, Crawley, Fairbrother, Lloyd, Austin, Wasim, Hegg, Chapple, Martin, Keedy.

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