ENGLAND'S selectors will tonight decide whether Graham Lloyd is the man to combat Shane Warne in the Texaco Trophy.

The new panel of Mike Gatting, Graham Gooch and chairman David Graveney are expected to choose a combination of Test regulars and one day specialists for the three 50-over games at Headingley, Lord's and the Oval late next week.

Lloyd fits right into the second category along with the likes of Kent all rounder Mark Ealham, Surrey skipper Adam Hollioake and maybe even former Lancashire team mate Phil DeFreitas.

His key role in Lancashire's one day success finally earned recognition last year with selection for the Texaco games against Pakistan.

And although Lloyd failed to make an impact in two appearances, his form this season has left little doubt that he is one of the most effective one day batsmen in the country. Skipper Mike Watkinson said: "In the mood Graham can be the most exciting one day batsman in the country. If selected he could be a threat to the Aussies." Lloyd has talked down his chances in typically laid back style this season, claiming that a number of youngsters moved ahead of him on the winter England A tour.

But Mike Atherton and his dad David, the England captain and coach, know exactly what he can do and although neither is a selector this year, it would be no surprise if Lloyd's name appears in the squad when it is announced tomorrow.

A number of other Lancashire players are in contention to join Atherton in the squad.

Peter Martin has been a one day regular for England since making his debut in1995 and bowled consistently for Lancashire in the Benson and Hedges Cup. John Crawley had a miserable B and H campaign but has stamped his class on the current championship game against Notts with 51 not out in the first innings and 101 yesterday.

Lancashire were still battling to save the championship game against Notts at Old Trafford today despite Crawley's century, Lloyd's 62 and 68 from Atherton. The rest of the batting subsided from 238-2 to 357 all out leaving Notts just 220 to win.

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