Jimmy Anderson backs Lancashire CCC team-mate Graham Onions to keep taking wickets
“I still can’t believe I’m older than him,” smiles Anderson before talking in a more serious tone about the immense value his fellow 36-year-old has brought to Lancashire since joining from Durham in September 2017.
“I think he’s the one who looks a lot older.”
Onions, only a couple of months younger than Anderson, is closing in on 700 career first-class wickets.
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Hide AdHe is nine short at present with two more Specsavers County Championship fixtures scheduled before a reunion with home county Durham at Sedbergh School at the end of the month.
“Bunny’s a quality performer and a quality professional,” said Anderson, who was rested for this week’s rain-affected draw with Leicestershire at Liverpool after Onions had sat out last week’s draw with Gloucestershire at Cheltenham.
“He sets a great example to the younger lads around the group and has been a really good signing so far. I’m sure he will prove to be a great one come the end of the season.
“He looks after himself, takes care of his body and is fit.
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Hide Ad“He’s lucky that he’s got a really repeatable action and rarely bowls bad balls.
“His pace is still decent. We’re absolutely delighted to have him.”
Onions, however, has played down the importance of reaching the 700-mark.
“I think stats, when you finish your career, are things you look at more,” he said.
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Hide Ad“I have a rough idea of where I am stats-wise, but I don’t check after every single game.
“If you do that, you put yourself under unnecessary pressure.
“I probably did that when I was a young kid, and it probably made me bowl a bit wider to try and bowl maidens or even made me search for wickets.
“I decided as I got older not to think like that.”
Division Two leaders Lancashire face back-to-back away games during the next fortnight, starting with Worcestershire at New Road on Monday.
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Hide AdThe Red Rose beat the Pears heavily at Emirates Old Trafford last month, so are going for the double against a team who were slated as pre-season favourites for a top-three finish and promotion.
Worcester did not play this week, while Lancashire have won three and draw two, they have won two and lost two of their first four matches.