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Mike Atherton hit the comeback trail today in the unglamorous surroundings of Middlesbrough.

Atherton, who has not played since being ruled out of England's World Cup squad with his back problem, was included in Lancashire's second team for a game against Yorkshire.

It was due to start yesterday, but the whole first day was completely washed out.

Atherton still hopes to revive his international career this summer, but there is not much time for him to prove his form and fitness to the England selectors before the start of a four Test series against New Zealand, at Edgbaston on July 1.

If he comes through the Middlesbrough game with no problems, he could play in next week's Championship game against Surrey at The Oval starting on Tuesday.

Atherton was the only international missing from Lancashire's team for the game against Warwickshire at Southport today as they finally put their World Cup disruption behind them and aimed to start climbing the Championship table.

They have an impressive record against Warwickshire at the Trafalgar Road ground - played three, won three.

Lancashire had called Glen Chapple, who missed last week's draw against Gloucestershire with a side strain, back to the squad but Paul Ridgway got the vote ahead of him. Youngsters Nathan Wood, Paddy McKeown and Richard Green made way for Neil Fairbrother, John Crawley, Ian Austin.

Warwickshire won the toss and batted moving on to nine without loss after 6.1 overs.

Meanwhile, Lancashire chairman Jack Simmons has held open the possibility of Wasim Akram returning to the club next season if things do not work out with Muttiah Muralitharan - who was making his debut at Southport today.

``Wasim is a great players who has led his side from the front in this World Cup and if we were looking for a new overseas star, he would have to be considered,'' said Simmons.

Wasim, who recommended Murali to Lancashire last year and will stay in England this summer to play for Smethwick and commentate for Channel 4, still has a house in Altrincham.

However Lancashire, who have also been linked with Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Shoaib Akhtar, have stressed that Murali remains their number one choice.