GRAHAM Lloyd is back in business.

The 29-year-old has been struggling badly for runs this season with just 222 in 10 Championship innings and no half century in any type of cricket.

But yesterday at Colwyn Bay he emerged from his nightmare with a whirlwind 41-ball 50.

It was typical Lloyd as he lofted young Glamorgan spinner Dean Cosker for one straight six, pulled another off Owen Parkin, and took four consecutive fours in the last over before tea.

But then, just before the close, he went for another big hit over the short straight boundary and into Penryhn Avenue, but lofted Robert Croft straight down Darren Thomas's throat at long on.

It was Croft's first wicket after being released by England and dashing from Nottingham to North Wales.

For Lloyd, the runs came at a crucial time. He was dropped earlier this season for the games at Kent and Essex, and would have been struggling to hold his place against Glamorgan if it wasn't for the absence of Mike Atherton, Andy Flintoff and Neil Fairbrother.

But with Atherton and Flintoff set to return for the top three clash with Leicestershire at Old Trafford next week, Lloyd has now given Lancashire a tricky selection decision.

They were set to resume on 213-4 after batting well between the showers on the first day.

Nathan Wood and Paddy McKeown put on 48 in 33 overs after Wasim Akram won the toss until McKeown was given lbw when he seemed well forward to Adrian Dale.

Wood grafted on to 37 in 49 overs before mis-timing a pull off Steve Watkin and Lancashire's third young batsman, Mark Chilton, played some classy shots to reach 13 until he was bowled by Thomas.

But John Crawley continued his superb form by cruising past 50 in 91 balls, and he was looking for his second consecutive century today following his match-winning 108 against Worcestershire at Lytham last week, although the start was delayed by rain.

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