The old enemy Yorkshire were reduced to 88-6 from 37 overs at lunch after winning the toss and electing to bat.
Skipper Wasim Akram did the early damage, bowling both David Byas with a classic yorker and Michael Vaughan then chopped onto his off stump.
Dangerous Aussie batsman Darren Lehmann was run out by a Graham Lloyd direct hit before Bradley Parket shoulder arms to an Ian Austin inswinger during a spell of 7-5-3-1. Mike Watkinson vindicated his selection ahead of Glen Chapple on a wicket which was expected to turn by ending the stubborn 18-run fifth wicket partnership which had threatened to steer Yorkshire out of trouble.
Replacing Austin after he had claimed one for three from five economical overs, Watkinson deceived Richard Blakey with a ball which kept low after he had rocked onto the back foot.
But Anthony McGrath, dropped on three by Michael Atherton at point off Peter Martin, battled to 25 before becoming Akram's thrid victim.
Wicketkeeper Warren Hegg was playing through the pain barrier after being out for three weeks since damaging ligaments in his thumb in the day-night AXA League victory over Surrey.
But he returned to give Lancashire a timely boost today.
``It's the sort of injury that needs a long rest to get it completely right,'' he said.
``But I haven't got that time. Yorkshire is a big game for the club, and it's time to bite the bullet. I'll take a few painkillers and I'm sure the adrenalin of the match will get me through.''
The Yorkshire players still have nightmares about Hegg's amazing innings in the Benson and Hedges Cup semi final two years ago, when he hit 81 from 69 balls to allow Peter Martin to snatch victory by taking two off the last ball.