Chilton made a Mark on Lancashire CCC's new man Mennie

The 29-year-old Australian seamer met up with Chilton during the Big Bash T20 competition.

Mennie was registered with the Melbourne Renegades franchise, for whom Chilton was on the coaching staff as part of a work experience placement.

“I sat down with Mark and had a chat about things,” Mennie told the Lancashire CCC website.

“We had a few coffees, and he spoke to me about the direction the club was heading.

“It’s something that I wanted to be a part of.

“He talked me through the signings we’ve made for this season and all the young talent we have coming through.

“That really showcases where a club is heading.

“I’m in a good set-up here in Australia with the (South Australian) Redbacks, and going over there to be on the same sort of journey is something I’m really keen to do.

“The way Chilly was talking about it all, I could see similarities.

“We both have some good talent coming through, we’re on a bit of a rebuild and have some older heads around the group.

“With the performances of last year coupled with the additions of a few key guys this, the aim is to win that Championship title.

“The conversations we had, it was clear it was about getting the group together and pushing for the title.

“At any club, that’s the goal, to win trophies and Championships. That’s the bottom line.”

Mennie will be available for Lancashire in all competitions until September 2 as they aim to go one better than last season’s second place in division one of the Specsavers County Championship.

This season will be his first experience of county cricket, though he has played league cricket in Sussex.

“I’ve got some sort of idea what to expect, although up North will be a bit different,” he said.

“County cricket is something that you want to tick off. It’s a strong and tough competition. It’s an amazing opportunity for me. I can’t wait.

“I’m a pretty laid back sort of character. I like getting stuck in and just getting on with the job.

“I love bowling, whether it’s with the wind or into it. I relish any chance I get, and I will give my heart and soul to every game and won’t leave anything in the tank.

“If we can get the ball reversing, I’m pretty confident in my ability in that regard.

“It’s something I’ve worked on, especially when I first moved to Adelaide. It’s a pretty flat track there, and reverse played a big part. That’s something I’m quite comfortable with.”