PETER Martin put Lancashire on top of their Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final by claiming two early wickets at Grace Road before the home side eventually reached 163-8, off their 50 overs.

The former England seamer dismissed openers Trevor Ward and Iain Sutcliffe during an opening spell of 5-1-17-2 which left Leicestershire reeling on 21 for two.

Captain Vince Wells decided to bat in cloudy conditions as Leicestershire aimed to avenge last season's C&G Trophy semi-final defeat at the same ground and the zonal stage loss at the same venue.

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Before the match, captain Warren Hegg called on his team to show their character. He admitted: "We've had such a bad time in one-day cricket over the last two years we're starting from scratch."

But he added: "This season is a test of character as much as anything else. We're trying to produce tough cricketers who must realise this is their profession, and that nobody at this club will take second best."

Lancashire only scraped into the quarter finals on run rate after winning their last game at Yorkshire, but confirmed their improved one-day form by beating Sussex in the National League at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Lancashire were boosted by the return of Andy Flintoff from England duty.