LANCASHIRE have slipped to third in the Championship table -- although the rain did them a big favour in Northampton at the weekend.

Somerset climbed above them by a point with their victory over Essex on Saturday.

But Yorkshire, the runaway leaders, had to settle for a draw against Northants as only a handful of overs were possible.

Lancashire are still 34 points behind the Tykes, but they still have to play Yorkshire home and away. And Yorkshire also have two games to play against Surrey, the champions, who managed to hang on for a draw at Leicester on Saturday.

Lancashire are back in action on Wednesday at Old Trafford with a Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy tie against Sussex.

Coach Bob Simpson expects to have Mike Atherton back from Test duty, and Peter Martin and Glen Chapple should also have recovered from the injuries which kept them out of the Championship defeat by Kent at Canterbury.

And with Muttiah Muralitharan making his final appearance of the season, Lancashire should be at full strength as they aim to stay on course for Lord's. By ANDY WILSON