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Flintoff finds way

Lancashire (130-4) bt Warwickshire (127) by 6 wkts

In theory the National League is the most customer friendly competition, but the whole concept of instant entertainment is threatened if the players are given ropey pitches.

A third-hand surface, previously used for two World Cup matches, brought Warwickshire to a standstill and only the exceptional power of Andrew Flintoff, with 45 from 35 balls, transformed sterility into a Lancashire canter with 23.1 overs to spare.

Yet there has to be some sympathy for the groundsman, Steve Rouse, if fixture planners place a county game between two World Cup showpieces.

It was a case of one match too far for a pitch which became sluggish, unreliable in bounce and turned from the outset. Warwickshire were forced to revise their plans after timing errors by their first three batsmen and a mesmerising spell by Muttiah Muralitharan.

Seven wickets went for 93 -Dougie Brown the unluckiest in playing-on from his right elbow - and only sensible accumulation by Graeme Welch delayed a final thrust by Peter Martin for his five for 28.

Flintoff made light work of the target with 20 in an over from Ed Giddins and in all he hit five fours and three sixes until caught at midwicket.