Move will put spring back into Onions...
JENNINGS BACKING FORMER TEAM-MATE TO BE A HIT AT LANCASHIRE
KEATON Jennings believes Graham Onions will be a huge asset for Lancashire next season.
The veteran seamer has followed Jennings from Durham to Emirates Old Trafford having both had long careers at Chester-le-Street.
Lancashire head coach Glen Chapple has already said he doesn’t expect 35-year-old Onions, who struggled with a back injury last season, to play in every County Championship match.
However, the Red Rose boss believes he can add just as much off the field in terms of coaching and advice to the young seamers at the club as he can on it.
And Jennings, who was unveiled by Lancashire earlier this week, believes the former Test player’s move is perfect for both player and county.
“Graham moving at this stage of his career is fantastic,” said Jennings.
“Hopefully he will come down with a smile! If not we will find him one.
“He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, he knows how to take wickets.
“He will impart that on younger guys in the squad too.
“Hopefully, for both of us this move will be a kick up the bum, to regenerate the thinking process.
“I know he is really excited, as am I.”
Jennings has captained the England Lions and Durham on the odd occasion.
With Lancashire skipper Steven Croft having struggled for form last season, and at times leaving himself out of the County Championship side, there have been some suggesting Jennings could take the reins next season.
However, he has backed Croft to continue in the job next year in what will be a benefit year for the Red Rose stalwart.
“Cricket is a team game,” he said. “From the outside, I can see Steven Croft has been a very good leader.
“However, you don’t need a title in order to lead and the character I am, I will try to add value where I can, whether that be with the ball, the bat or in the field. Crofty has led the guys fantastically well and I haven’t heard a bad word said about him.
“I am looking forward to meeting him as a team-mate.”
Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s return next season hasn’t yet been confirmed by Lancashire, but Jennings is hopeful he will be able to play alongside him. “Hopefully I can pick his brain,” he said. “He has achieved so much in the game, I can use him to grow myself. “He just seems to keep going.”
Hopefully he will come down with a smile. If not, we will find him one Keaton Jennings on Graham Onions