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Ian Austin burst back to top form with a career best performance at Old Trafford.

Austin, who has suffered a frustrating season, claimed 6-43 against Sri Lanka A. It was the first time he had taken six wickets in a first-class match.

Ironically, he did it on a turning pitch which should have been exploited better by Lancashire's three spinners. As it was Chris Schofield, Gary Keedy and Gary Yates had lengthy spells but produced only two wickets between them.

Austin has suffered possibly the worst spell of his career, missing out on England's last three World Cup ties, then being left out by Lancashire for a recent championship match. And the low, slow surfaces at Old Trafford are encouraging spin rather than seam.

In his only two championship games he had failed to take a single wicket, but this display and his recent 4-15 in the floodlit clash with Essex have put him back on track.

Acting captain Mike Atherton relied on him heavily with the tourists reaching 277 after dealing fairly easily with the Lancashire spin attack.

Coach Dav Whatmore explained: ``They are far more used to playing this sort of bowling than English batsmen. I thought our spinners bowled okay but Sri Lanka looked comfortable.''

The difference was highlighted when Lancashire batted. Atherton's second comeback of the season ended after just one scratchy single when he offered no shot and was lbw to seamer Gallage. After that the Sri Lankan slow men reigned supreme and Lancashire struggled to 53-3.