Lancashire County Cricket Club Captain Glen Chapple has called for an improved performance from his side before their vital LV County Division One clash with Sussex on Tuesday.
Relegation threatened Lancashire are second bottom of the division with only two fixtures remaining, while the teams surrounding them all hold a game in hand.
They travel to Sussex with the hosts sitting mid-table, although the competitive nature of the division means that they only have a 16-point advantage over Chapple’s team.
Lancashire are currently 12 points from safety, with their survival hopes having taken a significant dent after losing to table-topping neighbours Yorkshire last week.
“It’s really clear what we need to do [to avoid relegation] – nothing short of two wins will be good enough,” said Chapple.
“It’s back to the wall time and nothing short of our best will do, but sometimes that can bring the best out of you and create a positive mindset, and that’s what we have to do.”
The job will have been made considerably harder after the enforced retirement of long-serving pace bowler Kyle Hogg due to a back injury.
However, the return of England duo James Anderson and Jos Buttler will be a welcome relief to Chapple, with Lancashire realistically needing to secure a win in order to take the fight down to the wire.
Their season culminates in a potentially vital meeting against Middlesex at Old Trafford on September 23.
Main image courtesy of Lord’s Cricket Ground via YouTube, with thanks.
