GARY YATES is in line for his first Championship appearance of the season against Surrey at Southport tomorrow.

Yates has been an ever-present in one-day cricket, but is included in the four day squad ahead of Gary Keedy for the first time. Lancashire captain Mike Watkinson said: "Gary is one of the most consistent one-day slow bowlers in the country and he's done a great job for us again this season.

"But he is always ready to remind us that he's more than just a one-day bowler."

Yates looks to be rivalling Steve Elworthy for a place depending on the appearance of the relaid wicket at Birkdale.

Lancashire haven't played there since 1994 against Somerset when John Crawley hit an unbeaten 281, still his career best, and Wasim Akram completed 10 wickets in the match with a dramatic last morning spell.

Surrey are in the thick of the title race, third behind Leicestershire and Yorkshire, but they will be without Test trio Alec Stewart, Graham Thorpe and Chris Lewis. Adam Hollioake, another England contender, will captain the side with his younger brother Ben, trialist Irish seam bowler Mark Patterson and batsman-wicketkeeper James Knott, son of Alan, all in line to be called up.

Lancashire (from): Titchard, Gallian, Speak, Fairbrother, Lloyd, Watkinson, Hegg, Austin, Chapple, Martin, Elworthy, Yates.

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