MIKE Watkinson will hardly have time on his hands while England compete in cricket's World Cup without him.

The Lancashire skipper's hopes of extending his international career were put on hold when Mike Atherton told him at the end of the recent South Africa tour that he wasn't included in the squad for India and Pakistan.

"I was disappointed because I felt I could have done the job, but it wasn't to be," he said.

Yet Watkinson will have little time to reflect on that as he begins preparations for what promises to be a hectic year.

Firstly it will be back to work with his winter employers, Bolton engineers William Hare, before heading back to Old Trafford for the County Championship.

And on Thursday his benefit year is launched! That's his reward for a 13 year career with Lancashire, and which promises to keep him busy - in between the cricket - for the next 12 months.

But Watkinson's priority is still the County Championship. "To be the Lancashire skipper of a title winning side would be the pinnacle of my cricket career. It would be great for the club and a massive boost for cricket in this area."

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