Spin ace signs on at Lancs

MATTHEW Parkinson has signed a new deal with Lancashire which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2021 campaign.

With Simon Kerrigan and Arron Lilley both having left the club this winter, and Stephen Parry now 32, the 22-yearold is the long-term future of spin at Emirates Old Trafford.

Parkinson, who has played for Lancashire since the age of nine and graduated through the club’s academy, enjoyed a fine 2018 campaign – particularly with the white ball – finishing as leading wickettaker with 18 in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

The Bolton-born bowler followed that up with 25 wickets in the Vitality Blast, as Lancashire Lightning reached Finals Day at Edgbaston.

It helped him secure Lancashire’s One-Day and Young Player of the Year awards.

It also won him a call-up to the England Lions squad to face Pakistan A in the UAE – and more impressively a contract to play in Australia’s Big Bash with Melbourne Stars.

However, a stress fracture of his back meant he had to pull out of the Lions tour, and tests this week will determine if he will be able to head Down Under.

“It is a great feeling to secure my longterm future with Lancashire, a club which means a lot to me having played for the Red Rose since I was just nine,” said Parkinson, who has been tipped by many as a future England player.

“I was really pleased with my white ball form last season and, hopefully, I can continue putting in match-winning performances to help the side challenge for honours next year.

“I’m determined to cement a regular spot in the Championship side in 2019 and to help Lancashire achieve promotion back into Division One at the first time of asking.”