MARTIN Bicknell has offered to apologise to Michael Atherton over the controversy which overshadowed Lancashire's desperate effort against Surrey in yesterday's rain-delayed Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-finals.

The Red Rose men returned today after yesterday's paly needing a near miracle to reach the last four.

Atherton gave Lancashire a flying start with a superb knock of 93 including a second wicket stand of 122 with John Crawley before his team collapsed to 203 all out.

But the game was overshadowed by Bicknall's claims that he had caught Atherton when TV replayed clearly showed the ball had bounced.

Bicknell, who could have got himself embroiled in a "cheat" row, today said: "I claimed the catch because I honestly thought it was genuine.

"It all happened very quickly and I think my position is helped by the fact the umpireds called for the third umpire to have a loot at the TV replay. It wasn't as obvious out there.

"But if what has happend has caused Michael upset or any bother, I more am more than willing to apologise. I would never try and get a fellow pro out illegitimately."

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