Unusually, Lancashire can expect no compensation elsewhere, having dropped out of the Sunday race while moving like treacle in the lower reaches of the championship table.
On the other hand, the optimists, Mike Watkinson among them as captain, have visions of both 60 and 50-overs trophies to follow their unique 1990 double.
At this time last year, Northamptonshire had failed to win a single one-day game against any county until their visit to Old Trafford in the AXA Sunday League, where they stole a one-run victory. After that they flourished.
A return to form of Alan Fordham last year coincided with Northamptonshire's surge to the NatWest final, and again the opener is being considered for a return after his recent spell out of favour.
It might be significant that Northamptonshire have beaten Warwickshire - twice - and Yorkshire quite comfortably in oneday games, two counties that gave Lancashire a fight at Old Trafford.
Devon Malcolm, the Derbyshire and former England fast bowler, has been given permission to miss the match to meet Nelson Mandela at 10 Downing Street.
Rob Bailey, as the Northamptonshire captain, can look to Curtly Ambrose's fast bowling as a match-winner and, if all fails in the next four days, the Sunday League trail remains hot.
Lancashire could bring back John Crawley, who will need a fitness test this morning after a month out with a hamstring injury.
Tim Munton takes over as Warwickshire's captain, the holders facing a Surrey side on the upsurge, and Kent, one of several counties with treble aspirations, have an awkward visit to Derby. Devon Malcolm, the Derbyshire and former England fast bowler, has been given permission to miss the match to meet Nelson Mandela at 10 Downing Street.
Hampshire bring back Winston Benjamin at Worcester though his sore shoulder prevents him from bowling, and Yorkshire have Michael Bevan back from holiday for the visit of Middlesex.
Gloucestershire, at Taunton, have a last chance to prevent their season from slipping into decline.
* South Africa A today start a three-day match against MCC at Shenley Park, a ground of rural splendour in Hert- fordshire hosting its maiden first-class match.
* Northamptonshire groundsman Ray Bailey is to leave the club at the end of the season after 11 years in the job.
Today's cricket
NATWEST TROPHY
2nd rd (10.30am unless stated)
Derby: Derbys v Kent.
Chelmsford: Essex v Durham.
Old Trafford: Lancs v Northants.
Leicester: Leics v Sussex.
Taunton: Somerset v Gloucs.
Edgbaston: Warwicks v Surrey.
Worcester: Worcs v Hants.
Headingley: Yorks v Middlesex.
TOUR MATCH
1st day of 3
Shenley: MCC v S Africa A (11.00)
2ND XI CH'SHIP.- Last day of 3: Trent College: Der- bys v Worcs. Shildon: Durham v Yorks. Saffron Walden: Essex v Surrey. Usk: Glamorgan v Leics. Southampton: Hants v Lancs. Middletonon-Sea: Sussex v Middlesex. Coventry & North Warwickshire: Warwicks v Kent. 2nd day of 3: Northampton: Northants v Gloucs.
MINOR COUNITES CH'SHIP (2nd day of 2).- Thame: Oxon v Cornwall. Old Hill: Staffs v Bucks.