Spinner hopes to Bash his way into squad
MATTHEW Parkinson believes his spell with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash could help him to force his way into England’s World Cup squad.
The Lancashire spinner has been signed by the Stars for this winter’s tournament, having impressed with the Red Rose over the past 18 months.
And with the 50-over World Cup being played in England next year – with a semi-final at his home ground at Emirates Old Trafford – Parkinson is hoping his spell Down Under can help him force his case.
“It is a big 12 months of white ball cricket coming up,” said the leg-spinner.
“There is the World Cup at home and playing in the Big Bash will only help me – and if I do well I can put myself in the frame.”
Parkinson, 21, helped the Red Rose reach the semi-final of the Vitality Blast last season, and despite having played in front of full houses in the Roses T20 match, believes the Big Bash is on a different level.
“It is on a larger scale than the Blast and the crowds and grounds a bigger, and that is going to be good for me,” said the Bolton-born academy product.
“It has been a good 18 months of white ball cricket for me. That has led me to this chance in Australia.
“I have thrown my name in the hat for a few T20 competitions around the world, and this is the one that has come off.”