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John Crawley today saluted Mike Atherton's role in the great Lancashire revival.

Lancashire went into today's NatWest Trophy quarter final against Yorkshire, who won the toss and raced to 35 without loss from seven overs, bursting with confidence after a run of six successive victories in all competitions barring last week's floodlit National League washout against Warwickshire and the four day friendly against Sri Lanka A.

Muttiah Muralitharan has rightly won most of the plaudits after taking an incredible 55 wickets in ten championship innings. But skipper Crawley also recognised Atherton's contribution - which has put him in contention for a shock England recall for next week's Old Trafford Test.

``Obviously it's been great to have Murali and he has bowled fantastically well for us,'' said Crawley. ``But we have also had a big boost from Athers who has been playing really well - as well as he has for three or four years.''

David Graveney, the chairman of England's selctors, yesterday fuelled speculation that Atherton would be recalled for Old Trafford - maybe even as captain.

``England will be looking at him,'' Crawley agreed. But Atherton played his chances down, saying: ``It's just nice to be playing again. But as far as England are concerned the chairman of selectors told me that they expected me to play a lot of cricket to prove my fitness and I have heard nothing different since.

``I feel fine but I have only played two or three games. I can't say anything more than that.''

Meanwhile Paul Ridgway took four wickets as Lancashire's second team took a handy first innings lead over Durham at Crosby yesterday.

Trialist batsman Tim Roberts then made 68 as they reached 213-6 in their second innings.