Faulkner backs Mennie signing

AUSTRALIAN all-rounder James Faulkner has backed Lancashire new boy Joe Mennie to be a big hit this summer.

The seamer has signed as the Red Rose’s overseas player in all formats.

Although Mennie is yet to play county cricket, fellow Aussie James Faulkner - who is returning to Emirates Old Trafford for the Vitality Blast this season – knows him well.

And he believes head coach Glen Chapple has pulled off a smart piece of business in signing Mennie.

“Joe’s been a very consistent performer in first-class cricket here in Australia,” said Faulkner, who helped Lancashire win the Blast title in 2015.

“He’s got some very good stats, as I’m sure you’ll have seen.

“To average 26 or so in first class cricket in Australia is very impressive.

“I’m sure he will do very well in English conditions, especially when it reverses like it did there at Lancashire when I was playing there in 2015.

“I think he will be very handy as an overseas quick.

“He played one Test last summer in Hobart, and a couple of one-day internationals as well. and by the sounds of things, he was close to being selected for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash.

“I’m expecting him to do really well for the boys and, fingers crossed, they all have a really good season with the red ball.”