LANCASHIRE faced a twin Championship threat from Lord's today.

A second delegation from the TCCB was heading north to inspect the pitch for their game against Middlesex, increasing fears of a repeat of the 25-point fine imposed after Middlesex's last visit to Old Trafford in 1994.

But the more pressing problems were posed by Middlesex spin wizard Phil Turnell.

The bad boy of English Cricket has bowled superbly for Middlesex all season and relished this Old Trafford pitch, which might have been designed for him.

He took six for 74 in the first innings then added two more wickets for one more run when Lancashire batted again last night. They resumed today on two for three after Steve Titchard was lbw to paceman Richard Johnson first ball then Tufnell had Jason Gallian lbw and John Crawley caught off a top-edged sweep from the last ball of the day, both for ducks.

Graham Lloyd launched a counter-attack with 42, Watkinson and Atherton having fallen to Tufnell. But after he was bowled by Richard Johnson, Steve Elworthy and Richard Green quickly followed to leave Lancashire at 92 for eight chasing 130.

FORMER Lancashire captain John Abrahams has been named as assistant manager of the England under-19s tour of Pakistan this winter.

Abrahams has been employed by the National Cricket Association since retiring from professional cricket, based at Old Trafford, but working with the England under-17 team.

He will assist former Worcestershire captain and Warwickshire coach Phil Neale with young Lancashire star Andrew Flintoff hoping for a place on the tour.

LANCASHIRE were taking a keen interest in the washed out Singer Cup game in Sri Lanka today, forcing Australia to play India in their last qualifying match tomorrow.

Stuart Law will not now be able to make a dramatic dash to Lord's to play for Essex in Saturday's NatWest final.

SUPPORTERS travelling to Lord's for the cricket match final this weekend may experience delays at the junction and are advised to allow for extra travelling time.

Seek possible alternative routes via: The M40/A40 up to Hanger Lane roundabout junction in West London and then head eastward along the A406 North Circular Road to its junction with the A41 at Brent Cross, then travel south along the A41 to St John's Wood, or travel along the A41 to London from M1 junction 4 or 5.

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