WARREN HEGG has batted his way into England contention with his sensational innings in the Benson and Hedges Cup semi-final, writes ANDY WILSON.

That was the message from England coach David Lloyd today after Hegg hammered 81 from 62 balls to set Lancashire on their way to Lord's for the fifth time in seven years.

"Warren is putting himself right into contention," said Lloyd, who phoned his congratulations to the Lancashire players after listening to the dramatic finish on the radio.

"He's a great player and he's been in top form this season."

Lloyd was supported by Yorkshire's brilliant Australian batsman Michael Bevan, who said: "Lancashire's wicket keeper batted better going in at seven than any of their frontline batsmen. It was a great performance."

And Lancashire captain Mike Watkinson added: "We know what Warren can do and we never give up hope with our strength in depth in batting. We keep him down in the lower middle order because it is such an important position."

Hegg is heading for his best ever season. He hit a new career best 134 in the Championship game against Leicestershire last month and continued his excellent keeping form with three superb catches in Yorkshire's innings on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old made an England A tour to Sri Lanka in 1990-91, but he could now rival Jack Russell as England's number one keeper by the end of the summer.

Lancashire were 97-5 in the 28th over when Hegg marched out to join Neil Fairbrother, and 161-6 in the 40th after Fairbrother was run out for a battling 75-ball 50.

Ian Austin then went cheaply to leave them 174-7 in the 43rd, but Hegg teamed up with Gary Yates in a stunning stand of 66 in less than six overs including four sixes, three to Hegg, to put Lancashire right back in the game.

Just as Hegg and Yates seemed about to steer Lancashire to Lord's, Hegg was bowled by Craig White from the last ball of the 48th over.

Yates became Lancashire's fourth run out victim off the last ball of the 49th over to leave them needing eight to win off the last with only one wicket remaining.

Lancashire's hopes soared again as Glen Chapple struck the first ball over cover for four, then White bowled a wide. Yet there was still another twist to come as Peter Martin came on to strike with two needed off three balls and missed his first two.

"I was more nervous than at any time in my career," said Martin afterwards. But he turned hero by carving White's last ball behind square on the offside and scrambling home for the second run which took Lancashire back to Lord's.

Lancashire had no time to dwell on their success as they dashed up to the north east last night for today's Championship game against Durham at Chester-le-Street.

Steve Titchard and Gary Keedy returned to the side with Yates dropping out and John Crawley still missing with his hamstring injury. But Lancashire suffered a disastrous start losing Atherton (16), Nick Speak and Titchard (both 12) for just 63.

Tickets for the Benson and Hedges Cup final on July 13 are available to members only with the voucher from their green membership book, on a two per voucher basis in green.

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