Onions: I’m here to help

CHRIS OSTICK

GRAHAM Onions has urged Lancashire fans to give him the chance to show he is worthy of a place in the side next season.

The 35-year-old, who arrived at Emirates Old Trafford for the first time on Tuesday since joining Lancashire from Durham, admits he is in the twilight of a career which has seen him win nine Test caps for England.

And there are some who have suggested his arrival will block local young talent, such as Saqib Mahmood and Tom Bailey, despite the departures of Kyle Jarvis and Ryan McLaren for next season.

However, Onions, who is also a qualified level four coach, believes his arrival will only help his new team-mates.

But he has also warned he is desperate to play a full role in the County Championship side next year and secure more silverware before he hangs up his boots.

“I am on Twitter and you read people saying I am taking the places of some young lads,” said Onions. “But if I am good enough I will get in the side, and if they are good enough they will get in the side ahead of me.

“I want to lead the attack here at what is a special club, I want to open the bowling, but if other players are better than me they will play. It’s as simple as that. And I am hoping to help them along the way too.

“Please just give me the opportunity to show I can do it for Lancashire as I have done for Durham.

“Deep down, I know I am a decent bowler, my record is alright.

“I am not just here to finish off my career, I want to win things.

“I am a determined cricketer and stubborn person.

“I want to keep on improving and be as good as I can be.

“If I do my prep now through the winter, there is no reason why I can’t play every game next year.

“That’s my plan.”