JOHN Crawley today blasted the structure of the Benson and Hedges Cup as Lancashire faced another crucial game at Derby.

The competition has started earlier than ever this year and most matches have been affected by the weather.

"It's ridiculous to start this early," said Crawley. Lancashire have been luckier than most other counties having completed all three of their matches before today's game at Derbyshire, although Tuesday's trip to Durham was reduced to a 10 overs slog in slippery conditions.

Crawley added: "I think only two matches have been won by the side batting first which says it all about the way the cricket has been."

Even after winning two of their first three matches, Lancashire can't afford to lose either of their remaining games against Derby today and Leicestershire at Old Trafford next Monday.

Yorkshire beat Leicestershire at Headingley yesterday to move level with Lancashire at the top of the group, with Derbyshire and Leicestershire one point behind. The wet weather has made things even more complicated. The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the quarter-finals in addition to two "fastest losers" -- but it is anybody's guess how many points will be needed because five matches in the Southern Division have been completely washed out.

Today's opponents, Derbyshire, have made an impressive start by crushing Nottinghamshire and also outplaying Leicester, although they were denied victory by the rain.

That means they could still reach seven points even if they lost today, which is why Lancashire will need to win next Monday, too.

It is a new-look Derbyshire team although Dominic Cork is still the captain and former Lancashire batsmen Steve Titchard is established in the middle order.

But they have a new overseas player in Michael Di Venuto, the Tasmanian opener who impressed for Sussex last summer, while a career change for their former batsman John Morris -- who is now an agent -- has seen several of last year's team move on.

Former Lancashire International Phil DeFreitas has returned to Leicestershire, Andy Harris has joined Notts and Ian Blackwell has moved to Somerset.

For Lancashire, Joe Scuderi was hoping to have a bigger impact than he did in his B&H debut at Durham on Tuesday.

Then the rain prevented him from bowling or batting in the 10 over match, but today he was again included with Gary Yates still suffering from his infected finger.