GARY Keedy was missing as Lancashire returned to Championship action at Chelmsford today.

The Yorkshire-born left arm spinner, who took 16 wickets in the wins against Kent and Leicestershire, is still recovering from an appendix operation.

It was bad timing both for Lancashire and for Keedy, who has had his best start to a season to move to the top of the Championship averages and was even being talked of as an England contender.

But manager Mike Watkinson hopes the 28-year-old will be back for Lancashire's next Championship game against Kent at Blackpool in a fortnight - when opener Iain Sutcliffe, who was also missing at Chelmsford today because of his fractured cheekbone, may also make an amazingly rapid return.

Jamie Haynes took over from Sutcliffe at the top of the batting order today, linking up with Alec Swann who was recalled after missing out on the Leicester game three weeks ago.

Haynes, who turns 29 on Saturday, won the nod over Mark Currie after some solid form for the second team.

Kyle Hogg was ruled out again with a virus which he picked up shortly after returning from his torn calf muscle, meaning another Championship chance for Sajid Mahmood.

And Chris Schofield was recalled to link up with Carl Hooper on a Chelmsford pitch which usually takes spin.

Lancashire need at least 12 points from the game to reclaim second place in the First Division after Sussex's win against Warwickshire at the weekend.

And with Surrey in action at home to struggling Kent, they will be looking for a third consecutive win to stay in touch with the leaders who are now 18 points ahead - although Lancashire have a game in hand.