LANCASHIRE'S injury striken touring side of South Africa recruited photographer John Dawson to make up the side today in Oudtshoorn against the South Western Districts team.

John, who used to play for Rawtenstall Cricket Club, is the club photographer and has been touring with the Red Rose side.

With Lancashire fielding second, John -- after taking plenty of snaps -- was called in when one of the fielders was injured.

And the Rawtenstall lad almost had a greater part to play -- he was on the verge of being called into bowl before Peter Martin decided his back was up to it!

"He does net with the lads when he's on tour so they know he can play a bit," said his dad Dave.

"He spoke about being called into the side last night and sounded quite casual.

"He didn't say he had anything outstanding to do."

Coach Bobby Simpson gave John the shirt he played in as a memento of his Lancashire debut.