Onions ‘thrilled’ by role

GRAHAM ONIONS says he’s ‘thrilled’ to be appointed as Lancashire’s new bowling coach – and that he can’t wait to get started with an attack he believes is one of the strongest in the country.

The 38-year-old former England international retired from professional cricket last season on medical grounds but returns to Emirates Old Trafford to work with the club’s bowlers on a full-time basis.

He will offer specialist bowling support and coaching to the First XI and Second XI bowling contingent as well as supporting Academy and age-group prospects.

Onions, who is an ECB Level 4 qualified coach, took on coaching responsibilities with the Academy upon joining the Red Rose ahead of the 2018 season.

Under his and head coach Glen Chapple’s guidance, several seam bowlers have gone on to make their first-class debuts for Lancashire. Four of those – George Balderson, Tom Hartley, George Burrows and Ed Moulton – appeared in last season’s Bob Willis Trophy.

Onions said: “I am thrilled to get the opportunity to stay at Lancashire as bowling coach and work with one of the most talented bowling attacks in county cricket.

“The depth of talent in the Lancashire system is immense. Competition for places is fierce and there is no shortage of talent coming through the Academy pathway; I have been lucky to see that first-hand in my coaching role over the last three years.

“Seeing players you have worked with progress, improve and ultimately perform for the first XI is as good as any feeling as I had during my playing days.”

Lancashire’s director of cricket, Paul Allott, said: “We are delighted he will continue his association with the club. We were all incredibly impressed with the impact he had in a coaching capacity during the 2020 season.”