LANCASHIRE'S last game of the South Africa tour was wrecked by rain -- but they return home tomorrow with a barrowload of pluses from their seven match campaign.

"It has gone well," said manager Mike Watkinson. "They have got the bit between their teeth, there is good team spirit and physically we are in better shape than other English counties who have also been warming up here."

Lancashire will have a fresh look when they launch the season next week against Leicester at Old Trafford. Mike Atherton and John Crawley have gone, Andy Flintoff is resting after his winter tours, and Neil Fairbrother is doubtful because of a leg problem.

David Byas and Stuart Law are ready to come in, Graham Lloyd is hoping for an early call after a nightmare 2001 when he was dropped for most of the championship programme and Tim Roberts could also be in the shakeup after a string of decent knocks in South Africa.

Flintoff is one of only 11 players given Test contracts for the series with Sri Lanka and India. He will not be available for Lancashire until May 5.