Lancashire aiming to build on Yorkshire when against Derbyshire

The experienced South African batsman has been involved in a stuttering start to the Lightning’s North Division campaign, with two wins and two defeats ahead of the visit of Derbyshire Falcons to Emirates Old Trafford tomorrow.

Lancashire stunned a packed Headingley by chasing down 186 thanks to Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 71 off 35 balls.

Buttler’s blistering assault secured a four-wicket win, but he had to overhaul a target of 45 off the last three overs and 17 off the last.

It was the perfect way to prepare for England’s one-day series against New Zealand, which he started with a quick-fire century on Tuesday.

Lancashire’s fifth match sees them meet a Derbyshire side who beat them comprehensively at the County Ground a fortnight ago, with Prince admitting: “They out-played us in all departments.

“We didn’t play well at Derby. Hopefully we can rectify that.”

He went on: “We know we need to go on a run to catch up with the other sides, and that sort of win (over Yorkshire) can spark us.

“Jos was outstanding for us last week, as he was for England the other day.

“We needed to give ourselves a chance in that game against Yorkshire. We felt they maybe got 10 or 15 runs too many, but Jimmy Faulkner and George Edwards bowled really well towards the end.

“We just needed to stay in the game chasing. We knew we had people like Buttler and Faulkner to call upon.

“We probably let the run-rate get a little bit too high, but it wasn’t out of the reach of Jos Buttler.”

The Roses win ended a run of two defeats for Prince and company.

Before the Derbyshire defeat, they were beaten at home by Durham, with an Emirates Old Trafford T20 reverse something of a rarity for the Lightning.

“The nature of Twenty20 is that anybody can win. Yes, we have a good record at home, but you only need two or three guys to play well to win a Twenty20 game,” said Prince.

“Every team has at least four dangerous players, including Derbyshire. So we can’t take anything for granted.

“They are a strong team, as they showed the other week. But we are confident of being able to get the win and build.”

The Falcons are looking for their second win from five against Northamptonshire tonight.

A three-wicket haul for former Lancashire seamer Wayne White in his first match of the season following injury contributed to the win over the Lightning in the reverse fixture.

Prince added: “Wayne got six-for in the Championship too (earlier this week), so he’s got a bit of form going. But we know what to expect.”

Alex Davies will take the gloves in Buttler’s absence for England duty.