Procter leads Lancashire fightback

Luke Procter

CRICKET: OLDHAMER Luke Procter justified his recall with an unbeaten 81 as Lancashire mounted a spirited fightback on day one of their LV County Championship Division One match against Sussex at Hove.

With two games to go, Lancashire are 12 points adrift of safety, having played a game more than their rivals. When they slumped to 192 for eight after tea, relegation was looming large.

But ex-Royton professional Procter organised solid resistance, adding 68 in 26 overs with Simon Kerrigan before James Anderson, who was making only his eighth Championship appearance since 2011, helped the left–hander to thrash 60 in seven overs for the last wicket as Lancashire were eventually dismissed for 320.

Procter faced 155 balls and hit six fours in his crucial knock before Sussex openers Chris Nash and Luke Wells negotiated two maidens before the close.