For Mike Atherton the foundations of a momentous season have been laid quietly in place because Lancashire, his county, are better placed than any for a treble and his rejuvenated batting this summer has cemented his England place.

If he were to allow his mind to wander forward - a temptation he would probably resist - he could easily imagine a Test series success against South Africa, two league titles with Lancashire plus a Trophy final at Lord's with another Ashes tour seemingly guaranteed. It is a comforting thought for a man whose career lurched into crisis in the Caribbean last winter.

On the only previous occasion Lancashire met Nottinghamshire in the 60-overs competition 30 years ago, they were ambushed by a certain Garfield Sobers whose three wickets and an innings of 75 not out squeezed out a victory at Trent Bridge.

Nottinghamshire bring no such surprises to Old Trafford this year though Jason Gallian will be looking for something special against his former county.

The BBC Television cameras will be at Leicester to record the ongoing attempts by Warwickshire to salvage their season, having reached more finals (10) in this competition than any county, though Lancashire have won the most titles, six.

Surrey's poor AXA League form means their Derbyshire tie is more than a formality and Middlesex should overcome Hampshire with Mark Ramprakash and Angus Fraser back in the side.

Today's Cricket (10.30 start unless stated)

Natwest Trophy - Quarter-finals (1 day)

Old Trafford: Lancashire v Nottinghamshire
Leicester: Leicestershire v Warwickshire
Lord's: Middlesex v Hampshire
The Oval: Surrey v Derbyshire

Tour Match (1 day)

Worcester: Worcestershire v Sri Lanka (10.45).

Second XI Championship (First day of 3)

Cheadle: Derbys v Lancs; Stockton: Durham v Worcs; Bournemouth: Hants v Surrey; Oakham: Leics v Essex; Uxbridge: Middlesex v Notts; Wellingborough: Northants v Glamorgan; Clevedon: Somerset v Yorks.