Parkinson extends ‘dream’ Lancs stay
MATTHEW Parkinson says playing for Lancashire is a dream come true after agreeing a one-year contract extension with the club.
And the leg-spinner says he can’t see himself playing for any other county as he committed his future to the Red Rose until at least the end of the 2022 season.
Parkinson, 23, has risen through the age group ranks at Emirates Old Trafford and made his international debut for England in the recent Twenty20 series against New Zealand - taking 4-47 in his second match in Napier.
He could also make his Test bow in the upcoming series against the Black Caps, and was one of the two ‘local icons’ snapped up by the Manchester Originals for the start of The Hundred next year.
“There is no other place I want to play cricket,” said Parkinson, who is from Bolton.
“Emirates Old Trafford is home to me, so it was an easy choice to remain here for at least another three years.
“Playing for this club has been a dream come true. I could not be happier to continue to represent the Red Rose and, hopefully, challenge for trophies in all three formats.
“I know the club are ambitious and I see myself as part of that too.
“From the players to the backroom staff and the facilities, I honestly believe this is one of the best places in the world to play cricket and I believe I can only improve while I am here.”
Parkinson has taken 65 wickets in 38 T20s for the county, at an impressive average of just 15.03. In fact, no player has more wickets in the Vitality Blast in the last three seasons.
Although his chances in red ball cricket have been limited so far, he took career-best first-class figures of 10-165 against Sussex in the Specsavers County Championship last season, a performance which helped to thrust him into Test contention this winter.
Lancashire director of cricket Paul Allott said: “Matt is a fantastic player and will only improve over the coming years, so we are delighted he has chosen to further commit his future to us.
“He has shown a desire to work extremely hard on his game and it has resulted in deserved international recognition this year.
“Not only is he a fine player, he is an excellent character and the type of person we want in the home changing room at Emirates Old Trafford.
“We are excited to see him continue his development at Lancashire.”