Gary Keedy is in line to replace Chris Schofield as Lancashire shuffle their spinners for tomorrow's Championship match against Northants at Old Trafford.

Schofield, the young leg-spinner who went close to a shock England debut in Sydney last winter, has been an ever-present in Lancashire's Championship team so far this season as the club have tried to give him more experience.

But he was named in the second team which was due to start a four-day match against Yorkshire at Middleton on Tuesday - although the first two days were completely washed out - and skipper John Crawley today confirmed that Lancashire were planning to make a change.

"Conditions and pitches have hardly been ideal for Chris Schofield, but he is the first to admit that he's disappointed with the way he has bowled so far," said Crawley.

"He needs to get into a rhythm and we feel it would be for the best if he played some second eleven cricket."

That would leave Keedy and Gary Yates battling for the last place in the team, with Mike Watkinson certain to retain his spot at number six with his ability to bowl spin or seam. The signs are that Keedy, the left arm spinner who was the pick of the Lancashire attack in Monday's rain-aborted World Cup warm-up match against Scotland, is the favourite.

Northants have made an encouraging start to the season after a disastrous 1998, which saw the demise of their coach John Emburey and captain Kevin Curran.

Under new Aussie skipper Matthew Hayden, the prolific Queensland opener, they have a strong batting line-up including Mal Loye, who was linked with Lancashire last season.

And Devon Malcolm will lead their pace attack with support from left-armer Paul Taylor and all-rounder Tony Penberthy.

Lancs (probable): Wood, Chilton, Crawley, McKeown, Lloyd, Watkinson, Hegg, Chapple, Martin, Green, Keedy.

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