The England captain and John Crawley, his colleague, rejoin a team apparently fragmenting with each passing day before today's championship game against Kent at Old Trafford.

The club and their supporters are hoping fervently that defeat in only five sessions at Somerset last week proves to be no more than an aberration, and a good showing against Kent would certainly relieve anxiety.

The club insisted yesterday that their problems extended no further than an injury crisis, which has meant, among other things, four captains.

As though to underline the point, Dav Whatmore, the coach, was taken to hospital yesterday to have nine stitches in a thumb injured during fielding practice.

There was no question of Atherton or Crawley being given a rest - Darren Gough and Graham Thorpe have stood down for today's game between Surrey and Yorkshire - because Mike Watkinson, Lancashire's captain, Wasim Akram, Peter Martin and Warren Hegg were all doubtful yesterday.

Jason Gallian broke a hand last week, but it is the absence of Akram, the Pakistan fast bowler, with a damaged shoulder, that has caused most frustration.

Dave Edmundson, a club official, said: ``Wasim is very down because he really wants to contribute to the team, and I don't think it's often accepted by our membership that he is as committed as he is.''

Lancashire, lying 15th and without a win, meet a side who have risen to second, though Kent are likely to be without Dean Headley, who has a back strain.

Sussex begin an experimental noon start against Essex at Hove today, an hour later than usual. The county hope to tempt people into the ground after work, offering free admission after 5pm.