LANCASHIRE have been handed a tough Twenty20 Cup semi-final draw against holders Surrey.

Mike Watkinson's side have been pitted against a team who have never lost a game in the competition, which was launched last year.

The match will take place at Edgbaston on August 7 at 11.30am, with the other semi-final, between Leicestershire and Glamorgan, following at 3pm.

There will then be a concert featuring Liberty X and Natasha Bedingfield before the final starts at 7.15pm.

Lancashire all-rounder Dominic Cork is under no illusions as to the size of the task against Surrey.

Cork said: "They're the champions and it will be a difficult match - but we have got to beat good sides to win the trophy and it will be an exciting first game.

"They've got the trophy from last year, they're unbeaten this year and they'll be the favourites."

But Surrey batsman Mark Ramprakash has warned of Lancashire's threat to his team's unbeaten record.

He said: "It's obviously a big game and there will be a great atmosphere.

"Both teams will hope to have all their big players available. That will make it a bigger occasion."

Lancashire were today attempting to make up ground in the County Championship title race as they began their match against second-placed Gloucestershire at Cheltenham. The Red Rose county are 41 points behind leaders Warwickshire, who are due to visit Old Trafford next week.

Peter Martin was set to return after nearly four weeks out with a knee injury, after coming through a series of strenuous workouts over the last few days.

Dinesh Mongia came in for Stuart Law, and Carl Hooper began his first Championship match since facing Sussex at Old Trafford last month.

Jamie Haynes was also set for a rare Championship appearance, continuing his role as Hegg's replacement.

Gloucestershire began the match 16 points ahead of fifth-placed Lancashire.

Batsman Craig Spearman was picked out as the main threat, having made 143 not out last weekend to knock Yorkshire out of the C&G Trophy.