ENGLAND opener Michael Atherton and Mark Chilton became the latest victims for Steven Kirby as the red-haired firebrand struck two early blows for Yorkshire in the 236th Roses match at Headingley today.

Championship leaders Yorkshire suffered a shock before the start of the game when leading wicket-taker Chris Silverwood had to be left out of the side because he was still not fully recovered from his back strain.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for Silverwood who was looking a likely candidate for an England call-up for the third Test against Australia at Trent Bridge next week.

His absence, however, meant that Kirby shared the new ball with Darren Gough and the colt struck in only his second over by capturing the wicket of Mark Chilton after Lancashire had won the toss on a perfect morning.

Chilton played defensively at a ball from Kirby which spun back slowly and it appeared as if the batsman knocked it into his stumps as he tried to fend it away. The rather fortunate dismissal from Yorkshire's point of view made Lancashire four for one.

Captain John Crawley was next in and could have been run out when sent back by Atherton but nobody was backing up and Craig White's throw at the stumps missed and went all the way to the boundary.

It was proving a busy start to the match and there was more action when Atherton hooked Gough for six, Lancashire reaching 22 for one in five overs.

Yorkshire left out Scott Richardson and had White down to open the innings with Matthew Wood. There was no room either for Gavin Hamilton, Yorkshire preferring instead to play off-spinner Richard Dawson.

Lancashire also had to make a late change when veteran left-hander Neil Fairbrother reported unfit with a shoulder injury and his place went to former Yorkshire left-arm spinner Gary Keedy.

Kirby looked sharper than Gough in the opening overs and one short delivery to Atherton rose steeply and whizzed past his nose.

Whenever there is drama, Kirby seems to be involved in it and it became 35 for two as he claimed the prize scalp of the England opener and stand-in captain, Atherton edging a drive for Matthew Wood to hold the catch above his head at second slip.

Andy Flintoff joined Crawley and Kirby was rested after his taxing opening spell of two for 19 from seven overs, Ryan Sidebotton taking over. Gough was given nine overs in all in which he gave away 24 runs before he was replaced by White.

The game began with many spectators grumbling about the cramped seating accommodation. As well as the new West stand being closed while it is being completed in time for the Test match, the bowling green side of the ground was also cordoned off as work went ahead on constructing the temporary hospitality stand for the Test.

Updated: 14:41 Friday, July 27, 2001