EPIC matches with Lancashire have normally been of the one day variety and they don't come much more epic than last year's C&G semi-final.

This year's early season four-day encounter starting on Wednesday promises to have the same intensity, but spread over all four days, or as long as this heavyweight encounter lasts.

I wouldn't class us as Arsenal (yet!), but Lancashire are increasingly referred to in comparison with their near neighbours Manchester United. The cricket club's current issue is whether to relocate from Old Trafford as the local council will not give them permission to stage mega pop concerts at the ground: our issue is fighting the floods simply to be able to play cricket on our ground. Where they have a hotel on site: we have a hospitality marquee!

I do not mean to put Worcestershire down, but just to make the point that it is not only the Premiership in which there are haves and have-nots. Dominic Cork is the most recent high profile Lancashire signing, but he follows in the footsteps of Gary Keedy, Alec Swann, Mal Loye and Iain Sutcliffe: all of them established first team players when they chose to move. And they were not relocating for the climate.

Worcestershire have also made a number of recent signings, but other than Ben Smith, they have been shrewd punts rather than racing certainties. For counties like Worcestershire, factors other than money have to be inducements, not least of which is our uniquely beautiful, albeit damp, riverside location. So, despite current frustrations, I don't think we'll be looking to relocate, pop concert or no pop concert.

New rules come into force this year requiring counties to inform all others of players in their last year of contract. Freedom of movement for players will be significantly greater and player loyalty will be at a premium. However, it should mean that players of ambition and quality have better access to first class cricket and that can only benefit the game as a whole. Clubs will also need to ensure that they are doing the best they can by their players in terms of their skills and personal development.

Lancashire have the best of both worlds in that they have a healthy crop of homegrown talent in addition to their imports. Sajid Mohammed earned rave reviews on the A tour to India, impressing with his ability to control the ball at a good pace even on flat pitches. He is part of an enviable bowling squad which will test a Worcestershire batting line up stuffed with all rounders but lacking the injured Vikram Solanki.

Frustrated tourists Gareth Batty and James Anderson could both be available. The early season weather suggests Anderson might have more joy, but Old Trafford has a funny habit of offering something for the spinners at all times of year despite its damp reputation. Whoever is the winner in that contest, it is certain that this is an opportunity to establish their credentials with the big boys of domestic cricket.