MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN finally made his long-awaited reappearance for Lancashire as they launched their Benson and Hedges Cup campaign against Durham in Liverpool today.

The Sri Lankan, who returned to Old Trafford from Sharjah last Monday, has been frustrated for more than a week as the Championship game against Surrey then the National League opener against Hampshire were completely washed out.

But the change of venue to Aigburth, which will stage Lancashire's three home B&H group games this week, brought an overdue change in the weather.

The Liverpool ground is getting used to hosting top-class spinners - last year it was the venue for Lancashire's Championship victory over a Hampshire team including Shane Warne. Yorkshire are due at Aigburth for the first Roses clash of the season on Sunday.