LANCASHIRE are trapped between a rock band and a hard place.

Midsummer gigs earn the club big bucks - but the risk is now obvious and you have to wonder about priorities.

Yesterday's farce, with day one of the County Championship match against Hampshire being called off because of the state of the ground, was a dismal postscript to the two Arctic Monkeys concerts staged at Old Trafford when thousands of fans trampled over the hallowed square.

And as Lancashire come under fire from frustrated fans and members, at least they have gone into the sport's folklore for being the first county to have play stopped by Monkeys!

Considering this is one of the worst summers in living memory, Lancashire could, and should, have switched the fixture to another ground, such as Blackpool or Liverpool.

Lancs do not attract as many fans as they should for four-day games and those who turn up deserve better treatment.

The club had known about the condition of the outfield for long enough . . . you only had to look out of the pavilion!

They faced a dilemma because they wanted to give Old Trafford fans their first cricket action since mid-June.

However, the one priority was to make the most of a rare spell of decent weather.

This summer's rain was, of course, a factor but no-one doubts the two July concerts, that admittedly bolstered the club's cash flow, played a significant part in turning a pristine outfield into a cow patch.

Lancashire will no doubt stick to the rock beat which has earned them millions over the years but they must not forget that they are a cricket club.

Precious playing time was lost when the club still have hope of an outright title for the first time since 1934 . . . and that's deeply embarrassing.

Should Lancs stage concerts? Have your say.

Play started at 11.15 this morning after sunny weather helped dry the outfield.