JAMIE HAYNES seized his first-team chance with a lesson in concentration as Lancashire cruised into the last 16 of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at Blackpool yesterday.
The 26-year-old wicket keeper, who had already been selected as opener for Friday's Championship clash against Surrey, was called up two days early when Mark Chilton was forced to withdraw with a wrist injury.
And he responded with an unbeaten 59 as Lancashire claimed a seven-wicket win over the Warwickshire Cricket Board.
Haynes took 102 balls to reach his half century and it only included four hours.
But at least he stuck it out to the end, unlike opening partner Glen Chapple, Andy Flintoff -- who lost concentration after slamming 40 from 26 balls -- and skipper John Crawley, who was caught and bowled for 33.
"I was pleased to see Jamie stay right through to the end," said coach Bob Simpson, who must now find a batting replacement for Chilton in the Surrey game -- with Crawley set to move up to open with Haynes.
Haynes has now top-scored in each of his cup appearances for Lancashire following a patient 27 in his Benson and Hedges debut against Durham at Liverpool earlier this year.
The win was set up by Peter Martin who produced competition-best figures of five for 16 as the visitors slumped to 22-5.
Muttiah Muralitharan weighed in with three wickets but they then recovered from 76 for eight to 163 all out thanks largely to Gavin Shephard, a sixth-form lecturer.
He shared stands of 40 for the sixth wicket and 86 in 16 overs for the ninth, ending unbeaten on 73 with Flintoff and Mike Smethurst suffering the most punishment.
But it was never going to be enough to deny Lancashire, who will play old rivals Sussex at Old Trafford in the last 16 on Wednesday week.
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