Lancashire sign second England star from Durham as Allott takes top job and Flintoff joins board

Lancashire County Cricket Club have confirmed the signing of Durham bowler Graham Onions on a two-year contract on the day Old Trafford favourites Paul Allott and Andrew Flintoff assumed new roles at the club.

Allott has become director of cricket at Lancashire CCC, while fellow former England and Red Rose favourite Andrew Flintoff MBE joins the board.

Right-arm medium fast bowler Onions, who has nine Test caps to his name, made his England debut at his home ground, Chester-le-Street, in the victorious 2009 Ashes series.

The 35-year-old recently became Durham’s leading wicket taker with 518 wickets, having played for his home county since making his debut in 2004.

Lancashire head coach Glen 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.

“He will complement a number of our young and exciting bowlers who we currently have within the group and this will be another experienced player that they can learn from.

“At this level, we need to have plenty of bowling resources at our disposal so I’m thrilled to bring Graham to the Club.”

Onions has played an important role in Durham’s success and was involved in winning three County Championships in 2008, 2009 and 2013 as well as Durham’s triumphant Royal London One-Day Cup campaign in 2014.

Allott’s responsibilities include identifying and developing talent through the Elite Player Pathway and the growth of recreational cricket.

Flintoff, who played ove 200 times for England, is joined on the board by James Sheridan, who has been chairman of the LCCC Foundation since 2012.

The LCCC Foundation and Lancashire Cricket Board are to merge to form a new body, the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, which aims to grow the game in all areas.

Earlier today Lancashire confirmed the signing of England opener and Onions’ Durham team-mate Keaton Jennings