GLEN Chapple today launched a bid to recapture his place in Lancashire's Benson and Hedges Cup.

The 26-year-old seamer lost out to Mike Smethurst in the vital qualifier against Leicester last Monday -- and saw the newcomer emerge as a hero in a match-winning last wicket stand with Ian Austin.

Now Smethurst is in the driving seat for the Old Trafford quarter-final with Durham on May 9.

But Chapple, such a key figure in previous one-day campaigns, is determined to force his way back and was hoping to impress in the delayed championship match at Canterbury today. "With Mike Smethurst coming through in the way he has, there is tremendous competition for places," he said. "I have just got to stick to it, and take whatever chances there are. But I'm determined to get back in."

Coach Bob Simpson said: "Things haven't gone Glen's way, but he's working very hard."

Chapple was back in the reckoning for the championship game because Austin, who suffered some niggles pre-season, was thought not to be ready for a four day match. But Austin remains an automatic choice at one-day level and, if Smethurst continues to shine, that could leave Chapple on the sidelines for the big clash with Durham.

Lancashire, rained off yesterday, delayed selection until the last minute at Canterbury today, giving captain John Crawley all the time possible to recover from a thumb injury.

Play was delayed again and there will be an inspection at noon.