WARREN Hegg may have hung up his gloves, but he could still have a big say in Lancashire's chances of success this season.

The player brought in to replace the Red Rose legend, Luke Sutton, may have a wealth of experience under his belt, but he accepts the man known affectionately as Chucky can still teach him a thing or two.

Former Derbyshire captain Sutton will start his first competitive game for Lancashire tomorrow when they begin their quest for that elusive County Championship title against Hampshire at Old Trafford.

And one of the first things the 29-year-old did when he started preparing for the campaign in December was contact Hegg.

"I've done a lot of work with Warren," said Sutton. "He was one of the first people I contacted when I arrived at the club. He has played 20 years of top-class cricket here and I would be daft not to want to tap into his knowledge and know-how about Old Trafford.

Support

"We've done quite a few technical one-on-one sessions, but we have also discussed different bowlers, different conditions, different wickets and he has been a fantastic support and I am sure he will be throughout the season.

"You need to develop a relationship with a bowler to understand what makes them tick, what signs they show when they are on top form and how to motivate them and help them.

"Each relationship with each bowler is a little different, and building those relationships is very much part of the role of the wicketkeeper and that is what I have been trying to do during pre-season, with the help of Warren.

"I played against Warren for a number of years and we chatted quite a bit when I was with Derbyshire and I was a huge admirer of him for his cricketing ability and his character on the field and I was in no doubt when I signed that I would be attempting to fill huge shoes at Lancashire."

Sutton's arrival has been criticised by some members, who argue 21-year-old Gareth Cross should have been handed the gloves. But coach Mike Watkinson defended the decision to bring him in at the club's AGM, calling Sutton a ruthless cricketer who could win matches.

"I think ruthless is a fair description of me," said Sutton, who started his career with Somerset before moving on to Derbyshire. "I've always felt I am a desperate cricketer, I want to make the most out of every opportunity and out of the talent I have and sure as hell if I have a chance to win a game of cricket I want to take that chance. I'm not going to sit back and wait for things to happen for me.

"I'm not here for a tea-party, I want to win games of cricket, I want to win trophies with Lancashire, win the championship with Lancashire, and I'm not going to mess around doing it. I definitely want it."

Questioned

And Sutton believes his performances can win over those who questioned his arrival.

He said: "I just have to look after the job I am doing and that is to do well as wicketkeeper and batsman for Lancashire and I hope that, in time, the supporters will respect my ability and what I can bring to the club.

"Wicketkeeping is different because there is only one of you in the team and two of you in a squad so the fight for a place becomes one-on-one and everyone will have a view on that, but I just have to get on with my job and do the best I can.

"I don't think I deserve to walk into the first team, although I think Mike Watkinson is aware of what I can bring to the squad."

Sutton moved to the area in November in a bid to prepare for the season without the hassles of travelling. And despite being at Lancashire for less than six months, he can see that the club is geared towards success.

He said: "Lancashire is such a huge cricket club and has such a great history and tradition, I don't think there is a cricket player or supporter not aware of how big Lancashire is and it is an honour to play for the county. I didn't underestimate that at all. I feel very proud that I am part of it now."

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