Lancashire vs Hampshire County Championship: Red Rose silencing the critics after thumping win over Hants

Lancashire are starting to quieten some of their pre-season critics, says Ashley Giles.

And they are doing so in some style.

The blossoming Red Rose made it two wins from their opening three Specsavers County Championship matches by demolishing Hampshire by an innings and 94 runs at Emirates Old Trafford.

Even with the majority of day three washed out, they sent the south coast county packing well before tea yesterday to pick up a 23-point haul.

It sent them to the top of the early Division One standings - for two hours at least until Yorkshire beat Surrey to go a point clear. But having played a game less than their Roses rivals, Lancashire are in a great position.

Not that anyone at Old Trafford is talking about a title tilt at the moment, with only three games played.

More, they are relishing the chance to chuck a few pre-season predictions back in people’s faces.

Simon Kerrigan after his five-wicket haul (Image: SIMON PENDRIGH)

With the loss of Ashwell Prince, Paul Horton and James Faulkner, many had Lancashire to continue their recent yo-yoing between the divisions.

But Giles’ decision to give youth a chance is starting to pay off as they have dominated all three sides they have played.

Liam Livingstone and Luke Procter have already got centuries under their belts, while Haseeb Hameed is looking more and more like a future England player, even at the age of 19.

Lancashire's Simon Kerrigan (Left) celebrates with team-mate Liam Livingstone (Image: SIMON PENDRIGH)

Back-to-back home wins against a strong Nottinghamshire side and a Hampshire team that, although suffering with bowling injuries, possess a dangerous batting line-up has put to bed any early fears that this team would be out of its depth in the top flight.

And although they have had Jimmy Anderson for the opening three games, they haven’t relied on him with the wickets - like the runs - being shared out.

Neil Wagner, Kyle Jarvis, Procter and Simon Kerrigan have been relentless in their accuracy, creating pressure that has resulted in wickets.

Lancashire's Simon Kerrigan celebrates his fifth wicket (Image: SIMON PENDRIGH)

Lancashire now have to find a way to win without Anderson, as he joins up with the England Test party. But Giles insists it gives another youngster - probably Tom Bailey - the chance to stake his claim in this side when they travel to Durham to start their next match on Sunday.

“There have been critics about this team, and a lot of people have been backing us to go straight back down,” said Giles.

“There is still a long way to go this season, but if we continue to play in this manner, even without victories, we will be in a good spot.

“So I am pleased for all the lads in the side because they have worked incredibly hard and are getting their rewards now.

“We thoroughly deserved that win, and I think Hampshire would say that too.

“From ball one we have played some good cricket, and there is a really good vibe in the dressing room at the moment.

Lancashire's Liam Livingstone celebrates after he takes his first wicket (Image: SIMON PENDRIGH)

“It is a team effort and we realistically could be sat here with three wins from three. We played the better cricket in all three games and we have a big one now coming up against Durham which is a very difficult place to go and win.

“But we should be confident going into that game.”

Resuming the final day needing eight Hampshire wickets, Simon Kerrigan took five of them to show he is returning to the sort of form that earned him an England call.