The tall South African dismantled Essex with a destructive century in the quarter-finals of the Friends Provident Trophy, to put Lancashire in sight of their first Lord's appearance since 2006.

But Du Plessis could need a London A to Z map if Lancashire can make it past Dominic Cork's Hampshire in tomorrow's home semi-final.

"I've never seen Lord's, never mind played there, it would be an incredibly special occasion if we make it," said Du Plessis.

"It would be a dream.

"We've played some fantastic cricket this season and getting to a final would be a great reward for the boys. It would mean the world to me.

"I've had a couple of texts from Corky, and I know Hampshire are going to make it hard for us.

"But our home form is strong this season and hopefully we can make that count in front of a full house tomorrow."

Skipper Glen Chapple hailed Du Plessis' unbeaten ton as one of the finest hundreds he had witnessed at Old Trafford.

The popular Springbok damaged his favourite bat after smashing seven sixes and five fours, with his 113 coming off 75 deliveries.

It arrived hot on the heels of his maiden century for Lancashire, also in the Friends Provident, against Derbyshire.

"It was up there with my best innings, it was a special day," added Du Plessis.

"But this season has been a collective effort, there's such a great feeling in the dressing room."

Lancashire will need their batsmen to fire against a dangerous Hampshire side who crushed Lancashire by a massive 10 wickets in a
Championship fixture at Aigburth last month.

An unbeaten new club record partnership of 162 between Steven Croft and VVS Laxman handed Lancashire their eighth victory in the Twenty20 Cup against Nottinghamshire last weekend, and Croft says Lancashire are in the groove.

Croft, who played in every one-day game for Lancs last term and whose versatility with bat and ball has seen him emerge as a key all-rounder, said: "July is a massive month for us – we've got the semi-final tomorrow and then a quarter-final tie against Somerset in the Twenty20.

"We've made massive progress this season and it would be so special to make it to a final."

Croft, who smashed nine fours and three sixes in his innings of 83 from 47 balls at Trent Bridge, added: "Last season, one of my biggest goals was to get my first hundred under my belt, and I did that.

"It really helped me confidence-wise to kick on this season, and that's what I've done.

"I have scored quite a few runs and I think it is going in the right direction for me, but I don't think anyone has the right to start in the team.

"My aim was to try and establish myself in both one-day and four-day sides and start contributing with bat, ball and in the field, and I am getting to the stage now where I am doing that quite often.

"But with the side we have got there is a lot of decent talent around and there are a lot of older, wiser more experienced heads around than me.

"I don't think anyone can get too comfortable. I have been treated really well by Lancashire and hopefully I can have a few more years here.

"I see myself playing my whole career here."

Lancashire return to County Championship action at Old Trafford next week when Worcestershire provide the opposition, with the four-day action beginning on Friday.

More from the Red Rose Diaries in Saturday's Lancashire Evening Post