LANCASHIRE can take plenty of positives from their first Championship outing of the season against Northamptonshire.

That is despite the frustration of a rain-affected draw. In an uncannily familiar start to last season, the Red Rose team have again suffered at the hands of the elements.

And despite a fine effort from the bowlers, in making Northants follow-on, there was not enough time left to force victory. But the batsmen are in fine form and spinner Gary Keedy looks keen to add to his success from last season when he took 60 wickets in 12 matches.

They seem to have all the bases covered. If the pitches spin Hooper and Keedy will take advantage, while the seam attack is so well stocked that Sajid Mahmood cannot get into the starting XI at the moment.

The team now head to Hove to take on champions Sussex, on Wednesday. This will prove to be a real test of Lancashire's championship credentials.

They have been given a boost ahead of this early season heavyweight clash with the news that Mal Loye will be fit. The right-hander missed the game against his former club with a calf injury.

"Mal was very keen to play in the first game," said cricket manager Mike Watkinson. "But we decided not to risk him and give the injury an extra few days to recover."

Champions Sussex had to settle for a draw after a determined innings from Scott Newman at the Brit Oval.

The Londoners were in serious danger of defeat at 88 for seven, with Mohammed Akram (four for 85) and Robin Martin-Jenkins (three for 47) the key attacking threats.

However, a determined unbeaten 86 from Newman steered Surrey to safety, along with 37 from Martin Bicknell.