FORMER Rawtenstall pro Michael Bevan is hoping to deny Lancashire their dream of a second Lord's final.

Bevan's hopes of playing for Yorkshire in the Roses NatWest semi-final at Old Trafford are threatened by his selection for Australia's tour of Sri Lanka due to start on August 15, two days after the semi.

But the 26-year-old left hander, outstanding in Yorkshire's agonising last ball defeat in the Benson and Hedges Cup in June, told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "I want to help Yorkshire get to Lord's. That's part of my job.

"I have no idea when I will be leaving for Sri Lanka or if the our is going to be one. I haven't received any word myself."

There is still considerable doubt over the tour following Australia's refusal to play in Sri Lanka during the World Cup and the continuing terrorist problems in Colombo. But even if it does go ahead Yorkshire are hopeful that Bevan and Stuart Law, who wants to play for Essex against Surrey in the other semi, will be given permission to join the party late.

The absence of Bevan would be a major bonus to Lancashire's hopes of a second Lord's final.

He has dominated their meetings ever since scoring 108 on his Yorkshire debut in a first class friendly at Headingley in April 1995.

"The Cup games against Lancashire have been good ones to play," says Bevan, now established as a key man in Australia's one-day side and hoping to return to England for the Ashes series next summer.

"They have had big crowds which gives you a bit of a buzz, and Old Trafford is a good ground with a good pitch for one-day cricket.

"It was a big disappointment to lose the last game, but I was more disappointed for the rest of the Yorkshire lads. I have reached a number of finals back in Australia so I know what it means to win them, but a trip to Lord's is something Yorkshire haven't had for a while."

"Lancashire have got a strong side, but we seem to play pretty well against them and I can't see any reason why this won't be another close game."

Bevan also took time to reflect on his two years with Rawtenstall.

"My first year I had a pretty good season and we came third. It was nice to do well for them.

"I was just here for the experience, it gave me a chance to play in the English conditions and also the chance to win some matches for your side which I guess has helped me in the last couple of years. I had a good time."

Lancashire have confirmed that the semi will be all ticket, available from Old Trafford on 0161 282 4040. Yorkshire have been allocated around 6,000 tickets, about one third of the capacity.

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