Lancashire skipper Warren Hegg reckons John Crawley and Wasim Akram will be applauded on their return to Old Trafford.

Veteran wicketkeeper Hegg was the man who replaced Crawley as skipper when Hampshire's captain was axed from the Old Trafford post at the end of the 2001 season.

Crawley's vice captain from 1999-2001, Hegg has been a first team regular Old Trafford since making his debut as an 18-year-old in 1986 - long before Wasim and Crawley made their Lancashire bows.

Now the 35-year-old is preparing to play against two players he won several trophies with during the nineties.

He said: "They'll get a very good reception. Both of them gave a lot of hard graft to Lancashire and I'm sure the cricket loving public will want to show their appreciation.

"It will be good to see the pair of them again. We had many happy times together but obviously time has moved on."

Lancashire's side may depend on the England squad that was named earlier today, for Thursday's first Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's.

Andy Flintoff had a scan on his injured shoulder yesterday and may have to prove his fitness in the National League tomorrow, while James Anderson may be asked to rest ahead of what would be his Test bow.

Kyle Hogg is definitely out with a calf injury but John Wood will have to undergo a late fitness test so Bolton fast bowler Sajid Mahmood could play his third senior game.

The 21-year-old's first two were both against Hampshire at Old Trafford in the championship and the National League last August.

There could also be a debut for Steven Crook, a 19-year-old fast bowler who has played for Australia under 19s.