Warwickshire inflict second defeat on Lancashire

Keith Barker's first five-wicket haul in Championship cricket helped Warwickshire see off reigning Division One champions Lancashire at Aigburth.

Resuming on 44-4 and still 35 runs behind, the hosts were dismissed for 148 in their second innings.

Ashwell Prince made 51 for Lancashire before being bowled by Jeetan Patel, who also claimed a five-wicket haul.

Warwickshire reached their target of 70 with five wickets to spare to record their second successive win.

Lancashire have now failed to win their opening two games of the season, following last week's loss to Sussex.

VIEWS FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Radio Lancashire's Scott Read:

"Lancashire take only a couple of bonus points from this game but know they've play their part in good game of cricket.

"Warwickshire will take all the plaudits and rightly so. But the Red Rose will feel they've snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

"No hiding that it's hardly the ideal start to their defence but still plenty of signs that the championship winning side of last year is waiting to burst out."

BBC WM's Mike Taylor:

"Do Warwickshire have the resources to go one better than second place last year? Possibly.

"Though they have room for improvement, they have shown in both their early-season wins, against Somerset last week and now Lancashire, they do have the wherewithal to pull out of difficult situations.

"They could have lost both matches. The contrasting hundreds from Rikki Clarke and Darren Maddy were hugely impressive, and Keith Barker and Jeetan Patel made major contributions to undermine Lancashire's second innings.

"A side with a number of potential matchwinners, and with the spirit to fight their way out of trouble, is not to be underestimated."