Win was dedicated to Parky

STEVEN Croft says the Lancashire dressing room dedicated their win over Durham to Matthew Parkinson following the death of his mum.

Spinner Parkinson overcame his heartbreaking loss to help Lightning to a dominant triumph over the Jets, claiming 3-30 in the 72-run victory in the Vitality Blast at Emirates Old Trafford yesterday.

His mum passed away last Monday and he was in the side selected to play a Leicestershire team including his twin brother Callum on Friday before rain forced the match to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.

And former skipper Croft said he and the squad wanted to put on a special show for Parkinson. He said: “It’s heartbreaking what he’s been through. The day after, he was in with the lads and we all felt for him.

“He was going to play on Friday against Callum and it was really brave. Our condolences go out to their family.

“We’re very proud of what Matt’s done - he’s come out there and has done what he usually does - and all the lads dedicated that win to him.”

Croft smashed 65 not out and Glenn Maxwell 58 off just 33 balls as Lightning won their opening home match of the T20 campaign.

Lightning posted 189-3 from their 20 overs, with Dane Vilas and Alex Davies both chipping in with 24.

They then ripped through the Durham batting line-up. Opener Scott Steel made 58, but only two other players reached double figures as the visitors were bowled out for just 117 in 16.4 overs in front of a record 13,710 crowd for a none-Roses T20 clash.

“It was a great team performance. We were really good with the bat, ball and especially in the field,” added Croft.

“To get that first win on the board, against a good Durham side, is really important.”