WASIM Akram and Mike Atherton are fighting to be fit for tomorrow's crucial Sunday League clash with Kent.

The pair suffered injuries to round off a dismal third day at Canterbury, when expectations of a first Championship victory were rammed back down their throats by West Indian Carl Hooper.

Wasim was hit by a double blow, first by stomach trouble and then a thigh strain, which was treated by physio Laurie Brown on the field.

The skipper only bowled 14 overs and is desperately needed fully fit for tomorrow's limited overs battle, when Lancashire could go top if they beat current leaders Kent.

The same goes for Atherton, who was still nursing a bruised leg from a blow he took in his first innings knock of 152 - but both are hopeful of passing late fitness tests. It will give them a much-needed boost if they come through, after watching Hooper single-handedly destroy their Championship hopes with a stunning 147 not out. It took the home side on to 343-3 at the close, an overall lead of 84, after Lancashire had been looking to press home their 233-run advantage early in the day. Hooper took just 99 balls to reach his century, and he did so while hitting Ian Austin for 23 in one over.

The veteran batsman hit Austin for four fours, a six and a single and left the all-rounder with ghastly figures of 0-76 off 15 overs - and four of those were maidens! In all, 108 of Hooper's runs came from boundaries, as he smashed six sizes and 18 fours in his 133-ball innings.

The Red Rose county are also set for more frustration tomorrow, when the England squad for the Texaco Trophy one-day internationals against South Africa is announced.

All of Lancashire's hopefuls could be ignored, including Atherton, Peter Martin, Warren Hegg and Andrew Flintoff.

The 20-year-old has had a blistering start to the season, but the England selectors will want to monitor his progress throughout the season.

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