Cross is a graduate of Lancashire's academy

Lancashire wicketkeeper Gareth Cross says he is hoping to become the regular number one behind the stumps following Luke Sutton's return to Derbyshire.

The 26-year-old made his debut in 2005 after Warren Hegg broke a finger in a county championship game at Essex.

"It's something I've been waiting for for quite a long time," Bury-born Cross told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I'm really looking forward to the start of the season and can't wait to start playing again."

Cross has seen his chances restricted in the four-day version of the game.

I've now got the incentive to push on and become the number one Lancashire wicketkeeper Gareth Cross

And despite having more opportunities at limited overs level, he says he now wants to capitalise on the chance he has been given.

"I feel I've been ready for a couple of years but it's important not to dwell on what's gone on beforehand," he said.

"Last year I got the chance to play as a batsman and see it from both sides, but I felt it probably gave me a bit of a kick up the backside in as much to say I definitely want to be a keeper.

"I did have some thoughts that if I wasn't going to wicketkeep I'd just bat. But I've now got the incentive to push on and become the number one."

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