Lancashire Fall Short in County Championship Bid But High Hopes for 2022

19th October 2021

It was an exciting finish to the County Championship in 2022 with Lancashire in contention to win the trophy for the first time since 2011. Unfortunately for Glen Chapple’s side, they had to settle for the runner-up spot.
In their final game of the season at Liverpool Cricket Club, Lancashire defeated Hampshire. Due to low scores, the match only lasted three days. In order for it to be enough to win the Championship, the Red Rose County needed Somerset to avoid defeat against Warwickshire. They did not get any favours as the latter prevailed by 118 runs on day four of their contest.

With the domestic season completed, the focus now turns to international cricket. Many of Lancashire’s squad will be in action over the next few months. Liam Livingstone will be a crucial player for England at the T20 World Cup. England are just behind India in the outright betting on cricket with Betfair for that tournament.

Despite missing out on the title in 2021, it has been an excellent season for Lancashire. It will give them a lot of optimism going into 2022 where they will be among the favourites to win the County Championship. Once their players return from international duty and franchise appearances abroad, they will be working towards going one place better next year.

Lancashire Weren’t at Their Best in Bob Willis Trophy Appearance

After finishing second in Division One in 2021, Lancashire qualified for the Bob Willis Trophy at Lord’s where they faced champions Warwickshire. Chapple’s team got off to the worst possible start as they were bowled out for 78 in the first innings.

Warwickshire went on to complete the double by securing the trophy at the Home of Cricket. They were victorious by an innings and 199 runs. Lancashire struggled to score runs on the wicket at Lord’s, with George Balderson’s 65 being the only notable score across the two innings.

The Bob Willis Trophy was created in 2020 so this was just the second final to take place at Lord’s. Essex were victorious last year where the game determined the winners of the County Championship.

Trafalgar Road Appearance Hopefully on Horizon

Lancashire’s 2022 schedule has yet to be revealed, but supporters of the county in Southport will be hoping cricket returns to Trafalgar Road. The last time Lancashire appeared there was in 2018 when they faced Worcestershire in a County Championship fixture.

In total, Trafalgar Road has hosted 45 first-class matches involving Lancashire. The venue was first used in 1956, so there is a lot of history at the cricket ground.

Old Trafford is the regular home of Lancashire but they did play in Liverpool in 2021. Their record in Liverpool and Southport is very good so they may look at returning to those two venues in 2022.

If Lancashire can retain the vast majority of their squad in 2022, they should be set for another shot at the biggest domestic trophies in the sport. The County Championship returns to a two-division format and Lancashire will be part of the First Division.