Procter and Parkinson sign Red Rose deals

CRICKET CHRIS OSTICK LANCASHIRE’S Luke Procter and Matthew Parkinson have both signed new two-year contracts with the club.

Having been out of favour in 2015, and with his Lancashire career looking to be in the balance, Oldham-born Procter played in every Specsavers County Championship match this summer, hitting two centuries against Hampshire and Durham on his way to amassing 822 first-class runs.

A product of the Emirates Old Trafford Academy, the 28-year-old all-rounder made his Lancashire debut in 2009, and was part of the 2011 squad that won the County Championship outright for the first time in 77 years.

“I’m thrilled to have signed a new deal with the club I love,” said Procter. “Playing for Lancashire is all I’ve ever wanted to do.

“I’ve enjoyed the responsibility of batting at the top of the order this summer and I look forward to contributing even more over the next couple of years.”

Spinner Parkinson made his breakthrough into the Lancashire first team this summer with a spectacular debut against Warwickshire at Emirates Old Trafford, taking six wickets including the scalp of former England batsman Jonathan Trott.

“I couldn’t be happier to sign a new two-year deal,” said Parkinson. “I’ve really enjoyed my first full season as a professional and to make my debut against Warwickshire was pretty special.”