Lancashire return to Specsavers County Championship action tomorrow when they take on defending champions Essex at Emirates Old Trafford.

The Red Rose county hasn’t played first-class cricket in over a month. Their last match was a draw against Somerset at home.

Since that draw, Lancashire’s attentions turned to white-ball cricket in the Royal London One-Day Cup. The side failed to advance out of the North Group and are therefore out of the competition.

Opener Keaton Jennings has been flying high too. The 25-year-old was recalled into the England team during the recent Test series against Pakistan. He seemed as if he was more in control of his game than during his first stint in the side. He managed to score 29 before feathering one behind.

Keaton Jennings
Credit: Lancs CCC

Captain Liam Livingstone impressed in the One-Day Cup, scoring 362 runs in eight matches – with an average of 60.33 and a high score of 90 not out.

Following the defeat to Yorkshire on Tuesday, Livingstone said that he is relishing the chance to play Essex again: “We’ve played well against them [Essex] in the last three games over the past two years, so hopefully we can start well in that game.”

Liam Livingstone Credit: Lancs CCC

For the opponents, well they’ve had a great month in the Royal London One-Day Cup, having bagged themselves a home semi-final eliminator against Yorkshire next Thursday.

As for the Championship, they have played five games – with two wins, two defeats and a draw so far.

Veteran opener Alistair Cook has been the only real stand-out performer with the bat – averaging 42.60

With the ball, young seamer Jamie Porter has continued his excellent form, following an outstanding 2017 campaign. He has taken 16 wickets at an average of 24.38.

Simon Harmer has also impressed with his spin bowling. The South African has claimed 15 wickets at an average of 23.73.

These two sides have already met in the competition this year. Lancashire travelled down to Chelmsford and were beaten by 91 runs.

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