Cricket: Lancashire put faith in youth
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LANCASHIRE WILL turn to young talent when they launch the English first-class season at Cambridge University today.
With Mike Atherton injured and Andy Flintoff, Ian Austin and Neil Fairbrother in Sharjah, the Red Rose county will take a number of youngsters to Fenner's, and they are likely to give a first-class debut to the 22-year-old seam bowler Michael Smethurst.
Warren Hegg, Peter Martin and the two senior spinners, Gary Keedy and Gary Yates, are rested, which means that the former England Under-19 leg- spinner Chris Schofield will be in the Lancashire side. Today's other three-day first-class game sees Oxford University take on Worcestershire at The Parks.
James Whitaker is set to play his first County Championship match for 18 months against Essex at Chelmsford next week. A knee injury kept him out of action last season as Leicestershire won the Championship for the second time in three years.
Whitaker, who is set to play in two friendlies against Northamptonshire over the weekend, said: "It is 18 months since I put the pads on with serious intent and I'm just starting to come to terms with it again. Now it's a case of testing the body out and building up my strength and I hope to be back to normal very quickly.
"The plan is to hit the ground running at Essex and get a first win under our belts if we can. We want to make a successful defence of the title, and perhaps put a one-day trophy alongside it as well."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments