The long car journey South would have been the last thing that Atherton, unable to field in yesterday's final day of the deciding Test match at Headingley because of food poisoning, would have needed on the eve of today's NatWest semi-final against Hampshire.

If Atherton cannot play, Mark Chilton would deputise as opener. The Durham University all-rounder may yet play in place of John Crawley, who missed Sunday's AXA League game through tendinitis of the elbow. Mike Watkinson and Nathan Wood have travelled down as emergency cover.

Hampshire are worried that a hip complaint might keep out Cardigan Connor. Connor, one of six players over 33 in the side, effectively won the second-round tie with Essex with three wickets in the opening over.

All tickets have been sold for the 4,500-capacity Northlands Road ground, which will be hosting its first NatWest semi-final since 1990. Hampshire have only once reached the final of the 60-over game - the following year when David Gower led them to victory over Surrey. Lancashire are aiming for their tenth 60-over final since 1970.

In 1991 Lancashire were drawn away to Hampshire in the NatWest second round and again expected to progress only for Robin Smith to hit an undefeated 79 and steer his side to an eight-wicket victory. ``We all have our minds on what happened in 1991,'' said Lancashire wicketkeeper Warren Hegg.