SOURAV Ganguly gets his first real chance to shine for Lancashire in Old Trafford's opening championship game of the season today.

It has been a stop-go start for the Indian star, who has had to cope with the worst of English conditions -- damp pitches and a cold, wet April. The result has been a string of low scores, including two first ball ducks, giving him a total of 53 runs from six innings.

But, with the weather improving and the prospect of a decent track, Ganguly can come good in the championship clash against Leicester who have Indian spin master, Anil Kumble, aiming to grab the spotlight from his national captain.

"I've not been worried about Sourav," said coach Bob Simpson. "But he's not used to being so long without a good knock, and that has frustrated him. The weather has affected everyone. We just haven't had the opportunity to get into our stride but, hopefully, we will see a change over the next week or so."

Ganguly will bat at number three with John Crawley resuming his opening partnership with Mike Atherton after missing the game against Kent with a thumb injury. Neil Fairbrother, recovered from a groin strain, returns but at number five, with Andy Flintoff promoted in the order to fourth.

Lancashire: Atherton, Crawley, Ganguly, Flintoff, Fairbrother, Lloyd, Hegg, Schofield, Chapple, Martin, Smethurst.