LANCASHIRE found themselves under new Benson and Hedges Cup pressure today.

Leicester's win over Warwicks at Grace Road yesterday threw the group wide open - and made it vital that Lancashire crushed Minor Counties at Norwich to improve their poor run rate.

"It's a tough group and we have to take as much from today's game as possible," said captain Wasim Akram.

Lancashire, however, had problems. Neil Fairbrother faced a last minute fitness check on a calf injury, sustained in a bizarre dismissal against Leicester last week when he pulled a ball on to his stumps via his leg. Mike Watkinson stood by.

Constantly aware by the memory of Mike Atherton's back spasm at Hove, Lancashire also had Nathan Wood in the squad. And the overcast weather was also a threat. With no reserve days available for group matches, Lancashire had to get the game over today or lose a crucial point.

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