Spinners hold the key

Slow bowlers backed to star for Lancs

FORMER captain John Abrahams says the spinners can play a vital role in Lancashire’s quest for a first County Championship title since 1950.

They are riding the crest of a wave after the weekend’s thrilling defeat of Roses rivals Yorkshire lifted them to the top of Division One.

Gary Keedy took six wickets in Yorkshire’s second innings and, along with fellow left-arm spinners Simon Kerrigan and former Bamford Fieldhouse professional Stephen Parry, they could, according to Abrahams, make all the difference come the end of the campaign.

He said: “Historically what Lancashire have lacked is, when it gets to August when the pitches are dry and start to spin, is that type of player who can bowl out sides.

“But Lancashire are really lucky in that they have three quality slow, left-arm spinners, who have different skills.

“And if they’re in a good position come August when pitches start to turn, it will be the spinners who will contribute to bowling out sides twice.”

Abrahams (58), who skippered the Red Rose county for two seasons in the mid-1980s during a 15-year association with the club, is also delighted to see a county side containing players who have worked their way through the Lancashire system to first team cricket.

In this groups are the likes of Steven Croft, Karl Brown, Kyle Hogg, from Greenfield, Parry and Royton pro Luke Procter.

He said: “It’s really pleasing to see and one or two of the local boys contributing to the victories which, from somebody who is involved in the development of young players is very good to see.

“I don’t know intimately what is happening, but I do know having worked with Peter Moores, who is a fine coach, he encourages young players to take responsibility.

“However, at the end of the day they still have to go out and perform.

“These lads have some experience playing second-team cricket together, and in the seconds they have to take responsibility in having to score the runs, take the wickets and take the catches and they are now transferring that into the first team.”

Abrahams praised the contribution of Procter, who scored 89 against Sussex recently.

He said: “What impresses me about Luke is that he is very competitive. He is the sort of player who makes the most of the ability that he has got.

“He is a game-turner and is the sort of bloke who, if you throw him the ball, will take you a couple of wickets or bowl a tight spell. If required, he’ll also see a match through with the bat.

“He’s one of the first they turn to and if the team is up against it, because he’ll dig in and fight.

“That for me is absolutely brilliant, because that is the sort of character you need if the county is to be successful.”