MIKE Atherton is on stand-by to lead Lancashire for the first time in two years in tomorrow's opening Axa Life League game against Durham at Old Trafford - even though he is no longer the club's vice captain.

Mike Watkinson is doubtful after straining a tricep while bowling in the Championship match on Thursday.

And while Atherton has been replaced as Watkinson's deputy this season by Wasim Akram because of the heavy demands of international cricket and his benefit year, Wasim is not expected at Old Trafford until later this week.

Watkinson missed only two games last season, but they were both in September when Atherton was taking a break so John Crawley took over as captain.

"It is a long time since I have gone off for treatment but there was no alternative," said the Lancashire skipper.

"I felt something go while I was bowling and apparently it's the tricep muscle. It's not painful, but there is a niggle there which would affect my batting and bowling.

"Frustrating is hardly the word for it. I've never had an injury like this before and to get it right at the start of the season, when you're itching to go out and play, is very disappointing."

Watkinson would have been unable to play yesterday in the Championship game but Lancashire's hopes of forcing Durham to follow-on were frustrated as persistent drizzle prevented a single ball being bowled - and with the weather today, the last of the match, just as bad, Lancashire were to set to settle for a draw. Tomorrow's 40-over game is the start of a big week of one day matches with Lancashire launching their defence of the Benson and Hedges Cup with tough home games against Yorkshire and Derbyshire on Monday and Wednesday, and Watkinson's absence would leave a big hole in their line-up.

He is a key member of their limited overs attack and opened the batting in most Sunday League games last year and again on the pre-season tour of South Africa, so Lancashire will have to decide whether to go with another pinch-hitter or revert to the Championship opening pair of Atherton and Jason Gallian.

Richard Green, Andrew Flintoff or Paddy McKeown are likely to come into the eleven.

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