LANCASHIRE threw open the Old Trafford gates free of charge today for the first day of championship action.

It was a significant gesture by the Red Rose club who are leading the fight to attract new fans to cricket.

Chief executive Jim Cumbes said: "It is a way of celebrating the start of the new season in what is World Cup year. It might even encourage some first time visitors."

Lancashire are acutely aware that they - and the sport in general - have to make cricket a more attractive proposition to pull in the crowds. And, today, with a bunch of youngsters aiming to catch the eye was an ideal opportunity to experiment.

Oldham's Mike Smethurst was ready to make his championship debut after his impressive performances on the tour of South Africa and at Cambridge University where he earned 4-44 last week.

Liverpool's Paddy McKeown claimed a batting place, hoping that it would be the launch of his longest run in the side - he has never played more than a couple of games on the trot.

And ex-Manchester Grammar School pupil Mark Chilton was due to follow in the footsteps of Mike Atherton by taking over from him as opener. But there was disappointment for Mark Harvey of Burnley, who failed to make the squad.

Lancs (from): Chilton, Wood, Crawley, McKeown, Lloyd, Watkinson, Hegg, Schofield, Chapple, Martin, Smethurst, Green.

Sussex have included four new faces in their 12 with Richard Montgomerie, Umar Rashid, Tony Cottey and Tasmanian Michael Di Venuto all set to feature for captain Chris Adams' side.

The only player ruled out of Sussex's plans is England A fast bowler Jason Lewry, who is still recovering from surgery on his injured shoulder.

Sussex general manager Dave Gilbert said: "We finished seventh last year, which was a fantastic achievement. But to finish seventh or better this year will be easier said than done.

"It is easy to concentrate solely on getting into the top division for next season (meaning a top-nine finish this time round), but we have got to make sure we play every game to the best of our abilities.

"We can take advantage of being less disrupted than other counties by the World Cup and if we stay injury free then I'm sure we can do well."

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