Lancashire hopes that Cricket Australia will use common sense in their discussions regarding Nathan Lyon's availability. Lyon made his debut for the county against Surrey, but the Manchester weather heavily curtailed his performance.
Although Lyon initially signed for the entire season, CA only made him available for seven out of Lancashire's first nine County Championship fixtures. He was chosen as one of two spinners, along with Tom Hartley, for the opening match. He only managed a first-ball duck and two wicketless overs.
When asked if Lyon's cameo would count as one of his seven permitted appearances, Lancashire coach Dale Benkenstein responded:
"I hope not. We have asked the question and hope common sense prevails. Two overs don't constitute a match. But we are waiting to hear back from Cricket Australia."
Only 81.1 overs were played across four days at Emirates Old Trafford. The water table on the ground is very high, and heavy overnight rain made a play on the final day unlikely, even before a further morning shower. Umpires Peter Hartley and Paul Pollard carried out three inspections before finally cancelling the match at 2.15 pm.
Surrey took 11 points from the game after bowling out Lancashire for 202 on Saturday, while Lancashire took eight points. Rory Burns' team will now play Somerset at The Oval, starting on Friday. Lancashire's next match is away at Hampshire, also on Friday.