LANCASHIRE have the England selectors to thank for the best run of Peter Martin's career.

That was the verdict of skipper Mike Watkinson today after another sensational six wicket performance from Martin against Warwickshire at Blackpool.

It follows his amazing figures of 13-79 against Middlesex at Uxbridge last month, still the best in English cricket this summer, and took his tally for the season to 45 at an average of less than 20.

"It's not for me to say whether England should pick him or not," said Watkinson. "But Digger is definitely bowling like a man with something to prove.

"He's bowled well in the past, but never taken wickets this consistently. And he's superb at exploiting conditions like this."

The pitch offered a lot of movement early on although there was never any danger to the batsmen, or to Lancashire of it being reported.

Martin was bitterly disappointed to be left out of the England team early last season but this year he has vowed to forget about it and concentrate on bowling well for Lancashire. But he must now be right back in contention, if not for the sixth test at the Oval then for the winter tour of West Indies. "I'm definitely bowling as well as I did when I played for England," said the blond 28-year-old.

He took 6-46 and with Ian Austin offering superb support with 4-45, Warwickshire were all out for 139 inside 50 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

There was still plenty in the pitch for Allan Donald and he ripped out Nathan Wood in a hostile opening spell. When Jason Gallian edged Graeme Welch to slip, Lancashire were in trouble at 42-2.

But Graham Lloyd survived some early worries against Donald to join Neil Fairbrother in a third wicket stand of 127 in 26 overs.

And after Fairbrother had gone for 58, Lloyd got 75 and together with Mark Harvey took Lancashire to 202-4 and a lead of 63.

There was more good news in the second team game against Middlesex at Southgate where Glen Chapple and Richard Green launched their comebacks - although only as batsmen.

Wicket keeper Jamie Haynes hit 98 not out and Mark Chilton 70 as Lancashire reached 292-5.

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