MY EDITOR is an extremely hard taskmaster.

Last week he made me work five consecutive days, with just two days break at the weekend.

Then, on top of that, he expected me to work another five days on the bounce this week.

Roll on Saturday. I am exhausted.

Contrast this with those caring chaps at Lancashire.

Poor old Mike Atherton, a professional cricketer, is feeling the pace.

It is understandable, really. Having had Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19 free, and a lie-in on Monday before playing in the evening of July 20, Atherton was forced to practise on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Then the beleaguered Lancashire batsman had to perform for six consecutive days before yesterday's free day.

The thought of another four days of consecutive cricket would be too much for any man to bear.

Any man, that is, except most of the other England players on Test match duty last week.

I could never understand the special treatment that Atherton received from Old Trafford when he was captain of England.

But to allow the player to sit out today's championship game against Leicestershire is just staggering. It is not as though the game has no meaning.

Lancashire have a realistic chance of winning their first outright championship since 1934.

To rest one of the most influential players with under two months of the season remaining is an insult to all Lancashire supporters - and Atherton's colleagues.

It is now obvious where Atherton's priorities lie - with England and Michael Atherton.

And I would be tempted to ignore Atherton for the rest of the county season, and not just championship fixtures.

It is interesting that Atherton will be suitably refreshed in time for the more glamorous Sunday League game against Leicestershire.

No-one is suggesting that the English county season is not demanding.

But those less talented than Atherton accept their lot and knuckle down.

And I know an awful lot of people who would gladly swap their daily grind for the life of a cricketer.

At the end of September, Atherton can enjoy months on end with his feet up.

Until then, he should remember exactly where his bread is buttered.

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