Lancashire have escaped punishment after the pitch panel decided against docking any points for the state of the Old Trafford pitch against Somerset.

The Pitch Advisory Group, headed by former England captain Mike Denness, were summoned to inspect the surface after Somerset were dismissed for only 132 on the first day in Manchester.

After discussions with captains Jamie Cox and Warren Hegg, umpires Peter Willey and Ray White and groundsman Peter Marron, the panel concluded Lancashire were not guilty of preparing an unfit pitch.

Below average

An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman said the panel had adjudged the pitch to be below average, but it did not warrant points deduction.

The result of the panel means Surrey have yet to fully capture the championship, but a solitary point against Lancashire next week will secure the pennant once again.

Lancashire could have been penalised eight points for a poor pitch or a maximum 20 points for an unfit surface.

But their escape means they can focus their efforts on capturing second place behind Surrey and claim the �50,000 prize for runners-up.