JASON Gallian is ready for Lord's.

For the second successive year Gallian's build up to the Benson and Hedges Cup final has been disrupted by a finger injury.

Last year against Kent he was sweating on selection until the morning of the match, and played through pain when he opened with Mike Atherton.

But he proved his fitness for next Saturday's showdown with Northants by batting almost all day yesterday for 140, his highest score for a year.

"I needed that," admitted Gallian, playing only his second championship game since suffering a badly broken finger near the knuckle at Trent Bridge in May.

"There was no problem with the finger but I need match practice. I have had a few innings since coming back but this was my first big score. "Everyone could see that I have been out for a while in the first fifty, which was tough going," Gallian laughed.

"But with Neil Fairbrother and Graham Lloyd going so well at the other end, I certainly know my role. The second fifty felt much better and now I know that I will be right for the final."

Gallian's innings helped Lancashire to a total of 392 and they were looking to spinners Mike Watkinson and Gary Keedy today on a pitch already taking spin.

Gallian also had words of encouragement for John Crawley, who is in the same position he was last year - running out of time to prove his fitness, this time after a hamstring injury.

"It's a worry for John but he's hoping to play in the Sunday game and with the NatWest game on Wednesday he still has time," added the 25-year-old. Peter Martin is also set to return tomorrow after a strenuous fitness test on his calf strain yesterday.

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