SKIPPER John Crawley, with a double ton already under his belt, carried on in sparkling form against Middlesex at Old Trafford today.

Crawley bounced back from his lowest point as Lancashire captain to lift the clouds which have been hanging over the club.

At lunch Lancs were on 553 for four with Crawley unbeaten on a tremendous 266, and Warren Hegg having completed a half-century.

Crawley admitted that Monday's C&G Trophy semi final defeat at Leicester, which followed widespread criticism of his own controversial decision to bat first, was his worst moment in three seasons as Red Rose skipper.

That was followed by another heartbreaking last-gasp loss at Lords in the National League on Tuesday, leaving Lancashire with a long drive home to Manchester for a crucial Championship match against relegation rivals Northants. But Crawley shrugged off all those disappointments to hit an unbeaten 208 out of a Lancashire total of 444 for three yesterday.

It was the fifth double century of Crawley's career, coming from 316 balls and in fitting style with consecutive boundaries off Michael Strong - the 29th and 30th of his innings.

And afterwards he said it was his most satisfying. "This one has got a bit of an extra edge because we are fighting desperately to stay in the First Division," he explained. "The biggest disappointment for me is that something like this hasn't happened earlier in the season. But it still feels pretty good."

Well as he batted, probably Crawley's greatest achievement yesterday was winning the toss.

Groundsman Peter Marron had prepared a superb wicket, Lancashire had called up Gary Yates as a third spinner, and the prospect of fielding all day in stifling heat could have been too much for them to bear.

Instead Crawley was able to bat first - not a tough decision yesterday - and leave Northants to suffer in the sun.

Mark Chilton hit 46, Andy Flintoff raced to 38, Neil Fairbrother continued his consistent form with an 81-ball half century and Joe Scuderi plundered an unbeaten 89 from 111 balls with a six and 11 fours in a fourth wicket stand with Crawley which is already worth 180 - Scuderi's best innings for Lancashire. Unfortunately, Scuderi was unable to add to his score today before being bowled by Taylor.