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Ian Austin today looked ahead to the biggest week of his cricketing life and said: ``I can't wait for it to get started.''

The Lancashire all-rounder looks certain to be selected for England's opening World Cup game against Sri Lanka at Lord's on Friday after another impressive bowling performance in the second warm-up match against Essex yesterday.

He was England's most economical bowler, conceding only nine runs from his first six overs - a crucial effort as England sneaked to an unconvincing one-run win.

And Austin, who handed England a fitness scare before the tournament when he suffered a thigh strain, said: ``I have felt good, both in the Essex game and against Kent last Friday.

``I have had no problem again with the thigh muscle, it seems to be holding up fine.

``Now all I want is for the real competition to start. I can't wait for Friday.''

Andy Flintoff also looked good yesterday in making a quick 15 before falling lbw to former Lancashire all-rounder Ronnie Irani, and like Austin, has a key role in coach David Lloyd's masterplan.

And the third Lancastrian in the squad, Neil Fairbrother, is a certain starter after proving his form and fitness with an unbeaten half century against Kent on Friday, which earned him a day off yesterday.

Meanwhile the other Lancashire players will get their taste of the World Cup carnival this week.

A Lancashire team was facing Scotland at Old Trafford today, with Wasim Akram returning to his old stamping ground with Pakistan on Wednesday.