LANCASHIRE hit the road this week in their search for a Championship victory.

After failing to win one of their three opening fixtures at Old Trafford, they will be hoping for better luck on their travels.

But they could not have asked for a tougher start - on Thursday they go to Grace Road, where Leicestershire have not lost a game since Lancashire's last visit in August 1995.

James Whitaker's side, shock champions last summer, have started well again this year and are currently third in the table, with Lancashire rock bottom.

But Neil Fairbrother, set to return the captaincy to fit-again Mike Watkinson, is confident of Lancashire's ability to turn the tables. "I'm positive we'll get on the board before too long," he said. "And we go to Leicester knowing it will be a result wicket of some description."

That will be a welcome change for the Lancashire bowlers after struggling for wickets on a dead Old Trafford pitch against Northants last week.

Wasim Akram was the hero of Lancashire's last visit to Leicester, taking over the captaincy with Watkinson in the England Test team and setting an inspiring lead with 10 wickets followed by a match-winning unbeaten fifty.

The Pakistan star is set to return to the Championship team on Thursday along with Watkinson after both missed the Northants game with shoulder injuries.

Lancashire also hope to welcome back their England trio although they were giving a fitness check to Graham Lloyd today after he suffered a hand injury at Lord's on Sunday.

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