OLD-stagers ian Austin and Mike Watkinson return as Lancashire aim to clinch the CGU National League First Division trophy at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Lightning could retain the title they won as the Axa League last season by beating Kent Spitfires, if Worcestershire Royals go down to Hampshire Hawks at Southampton.

And they will make a number of changes from the team playing in the Championship game against Kent.

Mike Atherton is expected to return from a foot injury while Andy Flintoff is a big doubt with his strained side - and definitely won't be able to bowl.

But two definite changes will be the return of Austin and Watkinson, both struggling to win a place in the Championship team for different reasons but veterans of so much one-day success in recent years and still crucial members of Lancashire's limited overs side.

Watkinson has established himself as Atherton's pinch-hitting opening partner as well as a handy sixth bowler who can switch from medium pace to off-spin as the conditions require.

Austin, meanwhile, is currently prevented from playing in the Championship by a niggling knee injury which will need an operation at the end of the season.

But he is still fit and raring to go for one-day matches.

"It's the other knee to the one I had done last winter so it looks like I'll be in for another clean-out at the end of the year," he said. "But I'm OK to get through my nine overs and do my bit in the field and with the bat in the National League games."

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