LANCASHIRE will not panic after suffering their second straight Championship thrashing at Old Trafford yesterday, writes ANDY WILSON.

That was the message from captain Warren Hegg, even though they have now taken only eight points from the last two matches against Kent and Sussex - and Warwickshire could move more than 40 points ahead at the top of the table if they beat Northants today.

Sussex, who were bottom at the start of the week, are now only two points behind Lancashire after completing their first win of the season, knocking off the 42 they were left to win for the loss of two wickets.

"Let's not forget we were playing last year's champions who have got quality down the line," said Hegg.

"They have outclassed us and it's up to us to show a bit of character now in the weeks to come.

"I just don't think we've played to our ability over the last fortnight. But it's not a case of panic yet.

"We're not downbeat, we knew that at some stage in the season we'd be up against it. We've got some big games coming up now, and the big thing is to bounce back."

Lancashire play Warwickshire at Edgbaston tomorrow (Sunday) in the totesport National League with injury doubts over Carl Hooper (thumb) and Stuart Law (back). Peter Martin and Iain Sutcliffe are definitely ruled out.

But it is the Championship game against Warwickshire starting at Stratford next Friday which will now be Lancashire's biggest of the season so far - although before that they face Yorkshire in the C&G Trophy quarter-final at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

James Anderson, who managed 6.3 overs in Sussex's second innings before conceding the winning runs with a quick yorker which flew for four byes, has been cleared by England to play at Edgbaston tomorrow.

Kyle Hogg is also set to return after time with the England bowling coach Troy Cooley this week.

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