MIKE Atherton's single minded determination to win the Ashes will cost him a fortune this summer.

Atherton is in his benefit year, and on the eve of the Lord's Test held a glittering dinner in London which raised £50,000.

That is an indication of the potential he has as England captain to smash the previous benefit records of Dermot Reeve and Robin Smith, and maybe even approach £500,000.

But benefit chairman Bob Wilson reckons the final figure is more likely to be around £200,000 - because of Atherton's other commitments.

"When we were planning his testimonial events he said that England cricket, Australia and the Ashes were the priority and nothing must get in the way of that," said Wilson.

Atherton has also ruled out bucket collections at Old Trafford. "I find that a bit embarrassing," he has said.

Meanwhile Lancashire were struggling on two fronts today as Atherton waited for the weather to relent at Lord's.

Glamorgan were set to resume on 183-1 in the championship match at Liverpool looking to make up for lost time after the whole of the second day was washed out but today's start was again delayed due to rain.

And the second team were battling to avoid defeat against Northants at Middleton after collapsing to 169-9 in reply to Northant's 345-6 declared. Despite an unbeaten half century from wicket keeper Jamie Haynes, they still needed another 27 to avoid the follow on.

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