Graham Onions adds third season to Lancashire stay

The 37-year-old has collected 104 first-class wickets since joining from Durham on a two-year deal at the end of 2017

Lancashire bowler Graham Onions has signed a new contract with the county for the 2020 season.

Onions, who will turn 38 next season and holds the ECB's highest coaching qualification, first arrived at Old Trafford on a two-year deal at the end of 2017, moving down from Durham alongside teammate Keaton Jennings after 14 seasons at the Riverside.

The seamer has agreed to a one-year extension after claiming 45 wickets in 10 County Championship appearances this summer, where the county's undefeated red-ball season saw them secure the Division Two title in the penultimate week of the campaign.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club so far and it was a no-brainer to sign a new contract," Onions remarked.

"Emirates Old Trafford is a great place to play cricket and I am looking forward to playing alongside, and working with, some of the best bowlers in the country.

"I feel as fit as I ever have and owe a lot to the strength and conditioning team at the club for their hard work and expert advice.

"It is an exciting time to be a part of Lancashire cricket and I am delighted to be here for at least another season."

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Though Onions did not feature in the Lancashire side that topped their group in this year's T20 Blast, he remained an integral part of their One-Day Cup squad, supporting young guns Saqib Mahmood and Matt Parkinson with nine wickets of his own during the club's run to a semi-final loss against Hampshire.

The nine-Test England veteran was a key member of the Durham side that lifted the Division One title in 2008, 2009 and 2013, leading all bowlers with 70 wickets during the latter campaign, and Lancashire's director of cricket Paul Allott hopes he can instill that champion pedigree into Old Trafford's young players.

"Graham has performed extremely well since joining the club two years ago. He is exceptionally skilled and has substantial knowledge to pass on to our younger bowlers," Allott added.

"He has repeatedly proven himself as a high-class Division One bowler and we are delighted to keep him for at least another season.

"He is the ultimate professional both on and off the field and we’re delighted to have given him further coaching opportunities with both the Lancashire academy and age-group sides, which is something that I know he's enjoyed doing over the last couple of years."

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