LANCASHIRE are hoping the Old Trafford floodlights will kickstart their National League promotion drive tonight.

Lightning have made a slow start to their first season in the Second Division, as have the opponents in the first of the four floodlit games this summer, Essex Eagles.

But there is nothing second rate about the list of star names who will be on show.

England captain Nasser Hussain makes his comeback after the broken thumb he suffered in the First Test against Pakistan at Lord's last month -- and runs into his old mucker Mike Atherton, making his last appearance for Lancashire until he starts his preparations for the Ashes.

Spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan, who has always relished playing under the Old Trafford floodlights, lines up against Essex's brilliant Australian batsman Stuart Law.

But potentially the most explosive clash of all comes between two of the most exciting all-rounders in the game -- Andy Flintoff and Ronnie Irani.

It's a cricketing version of last month's play-off showdown between Preston and Bolton as two of Lancashire's finest square off.

The last time they came head to head under the lights, also at Old Trafford two years ago, no-one was disappointed. Bolton exile Irani hit 64 for Essex but Preston-born Flintoff replied with 52 not out for Lancashire, his last 38 runs coming from only 16 balls.

"I don't know Ronnie very well because he had gone to Essex before I got in the first team with Lancashire," says Freddie.

"But I do remember when I made my debut for the second team as a 15-year-old, he was opening the batting. And he's always a very competitive person to play against."

Irani always relishes returning to his former county, especially after making such a success of his big move south.

He has become massively popular in Essex, and played three Tests and 10 one-day internationals for England, as well as being appointed captain of his adopted county last year.

Lancashire's other floodlit games this season are against Worcestershire Royals on July 18, Sussex Sharks on August 20 and finally Derbyshire Scorpions in their last home National League game of the season on September 3.

Hopefully they will be back on course for the First Division by then -- but not if Irani, Hussain and co have anything to do with it.