LANCASHIRE have enjoyed a sensational start to their County Championship campaign – and I don’t mind admitting that it has taken me by surprise.

They might not have star names like Stuart Law, Dominic Cork and Luke Sutton in their ranks any more, but what they do have is a great crop of young players that are really coming to the fore.

Home-grown talents like Karl Brown, Gareth Cross and Luke Procter are finally starting to realise the potential that has seen the club invest lots of time and money in their development.

And the club’s situation dictates that they have to be successful if the club is to continue battling for honours.

After all, they are spending millions of pounds redeveloping their ground and the knock-on effect means there is less disposable cash for more experienced players and big-name overseas stars.

The job done by head coach Peter Moores is highly impressive and club supporters have every right to wonder if he can mould an unfancied team into the best side in the land – like he did at his previous county Sussex.

It reminds me of how Arsenal Football Club and their manager Arsene Wenger defied financial restraints to remain one of the top teams in the country.

Moores is doing a similar job. It might have taken two seasons, but his influence seems to be turning potential into points.

Many experts are hailing the strength in depth on the county scene this summer, believing it to be as competitive as it has been in years. All that does is make the early season achievements even more remarkable.

And if older heads like Glen Chapple, Sajid Mahmood and Paul Horton can continue to back up the youngsters with some dominant performances, there is no reason why Lancashire cannot grace their new-look stadium with some fresh silverware.