Glen Chapple has praised his Lancashire squad ahead of their clash with LVCC Division One leaders Sussex on Sunday.
Lancashire will be without strike bowler Jimmy Anderson, who took a 10-wicket haul in Wednesday’s 60-run win over Northamptonshire, and wicket-keeper Jos Buttler as they travel to Scotland for England’s first international game of the summer.
The victory over Northamptonshire was a confidence boost for Lancashire, whose bowling has been consistently let down by the struggling batsmen.
“I think from the team’s perspective, it’s the third game of the season (that works for us),” Chapple said.
“It was also the third game of the season last year against Glamorgan that we won our first one.
“We’ll enjoy the win against Northamptonshire.”
Chapple has taken over coaching duties from Peter Moores as the ex-coach prepares to lead England in their first international game next Friday and he was confident that Anderson’s early season form would benefit England.
“Jimmy put in a great effort for us and bowled really well. As I’ve said it so many times, he enjoys playing for us,” he said.
“He gives it everything he’s got. His ten-for was exceptional.”
Anderson will now turn his attention towards international duty as he prepares to put a disappointing winter behind him.
His last international one-day game was against India in the ICC Champions Trophy Final, where he bowled economically but took just one wicket.
Sunday’s game against unbeaten Sussex will be a tough ask for Lancashire’s reserve bowlers.
Kyle Hogg, who formed an effective partnership with Chapple last season, is still missing due to injury.
Lancashire may turn to former Zimbabwean bowler Kyle Jarvis to replace Anderson as the leader of the attack.
Sussex meanwhile will be without in-form bowler Chris Jordan as he also travels to Aberdeen with the rest of the England squad.
Image courtesy of Lord’s Cricket Ground via YouTube, with thanks.
