Durham exit leaves Onions with a tear in his eye
GRAHAM Onions has admitted that he left Durham with a heavy heart after ending his long association with the club to join Lancashire on a two-year deal.
Onions, 35, was unable to agree terms for a new deal with Durham and was handed a two-year contract by Lancashire.
Durham had offered him a two-year deal as well but the second year was dependant on his fitness.
Onions, who is also set to do some coaching at Lancashire, said: “I am hugely excited at the opportunity to work with head coach Glen Chapple, a fellow pace bowler who I’ve greatly admired, and join up with Lancashire.
“It was an incredibly hard decision to leave Durham, having played there for my whole career and I certainly leave with a heavy heart.
“Lancashire has an exciting and balanced squad, and I can’t wait to play my cricket at a world-class stadium like Old Trafford. There are some very exciting, young bowlers within the squad already and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
Onions had been with Durham since 2004, leading them to three County Championships, and has taken 518 wickets.
Chapple said: “We’re delighted to strengthen the squad with the signing of Graham. He is a vastly experienced bowler who is proven at this level.”
Former county captain Will Smith is to rejoin Durham from Hampshire four years after leaving the Riverside.