STUART LAW has batted himself to the top of Lancashire's hitlist if they decide to sign a new overseas player for next season.

The 31-year-old Australian scored an unbeaten century in each innings for Essex at Old Trafford, taking his tally of runs against Lancashire to 698 in five Championship matches at an average of 99.9.

And afterwards, Lancashire captain John Crawley said: "If someone like Stuart Law became available, we would have to be interested. He is a fantastic player."

Despite the brilliant form of Muttiah Muralitharan, Lancashire are likely to look for a change next summer because Sri Lanka are touring England.

"We are going to be checking on Murali's availability but if he can't make it, I would say we will be looking for a top order batsman," added Crawley.

Lancashire are well off for bowlers, with Chris Schofield, Gary Keedy and Mike Smethurst all ready to establish themselves as first team regulars. But their batting has been a worry for the last two seasons, and things could get worse next year if Mike Atherton decides to retire. Lancashire tried to solve the problem last year by signing Sourav Ganguly, but while the Indian played some good innings in one-day cricket, in the Championship he was a flop.

In contrast Law, who captains Queensland during the winter but is always overlooked by the Australia selectors, has a magnificent record for Essex.

In less than six seasons with the club, he has scored 29 first class centuries - four of them against Lancashire.

Warren Hegg, who watched Law's latest masterclass from behind the stumps, said: "That's as good as I've seen anyone play Murali. He had a simple plan and kept to it, and played him with ease. The lads have said in the dressing room that he's played two of the best innings they have seen on a turning pitch. It just goes to show that the Aussies must be a hell of a team to leave Stuey out."

All the Lancashire players made a special effort to shake Law's hand as he

walked off at the end of the second innings. And significantly, his current Essex contract is up at the end of this season.