LANCASHIRE boosted their Axa League title bid with a breathtaking success over Leicester at Old Trafford, writes ANDY WILSON.

A 20 runs win put them equal top with Essex on 36 points after 12 matches, and it's all set up for a big finish to the 40 overs competition over the next month.

Neil Fairbrother, whose unbeaten 82 played a major part in Lancashire's triumph said: "We are playing well, with a lot of confidence and we're in with a shout now."

Returning after an ankle injury for his first game in three weeks, Fairbrother hauled Lancashire to a useful 183-7 on a tricky pitch. Then the last eight Leicester wickets tumbled for 38 as they were shot out for 163 and their coach Jack Birkenshaw admitted: "Lancashire came back at us with a very disciplined bowling performance and we crumbled under the pressure."

Leicester, at 130-2 with 10 overs left and Ben Smith batting magnificently, were odds-on favourites, but Wasim Akram sent back the danger man - and then made the decisive attacking switch by replacing himself with Ian Austin.

The country's most dependable one-day bowler produced a wicket maiden in the 35th over to rock Leicester back on their heels, and Peter Martin caused mayhem a few minutes later with three wickets in four balls.

Austin, finishing with 7.4-2-8-3, and Wasim wrapped it up as Lancashire stayed on course for the treble.

The rain-hampered championship game against Leicestershire was finally washed out today without a ball bowled.

England selected the same team for Thursday's final Test against South Africa.

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