Simon Katich injury allows Andrea Agathangelou to seize chance

Andrea Agathangelou was delighted to seize an unexpected opportunity in Lancashire's Championship Division Two fixture against Hampshire.

The 23-year-old ended day one on 93 not out as a late replacement for Simon Katich, who was hit on the head in the nets before play began.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I got the shout about 25 minutes before play. It's what you wait all season for.

"It was nice to finally get a chance and it was just about taking it."

Katich, Lancashire's overseas player in 2013, was taken to hospital for tests on Thursday morning after being struck on the temple by a ball and was later discharged.

Agathangelou, who was born in South Africa, but takes his Cypriot nationality from his father, had made just three previous Championship appearances for the Red Rose with a highest score of 24, but did not waste his latest opportunity.

After starting brightly, Lancashire lost four middle-order wickets for 18 runs, but Agathangelou and veteran captain Glen Chapple held firm and steered the visitors to 252-9 at the close.

"The key was to get a start and get in. Once you got in, it became a lot easier," he added.

"We would have liked to have had a few more wickets in the bank and bat big first time, but from where we were, the lads deserve a big pat on the back. They've done really well to pull through."