Parkinson relishing life at LCCC

Callum Parkinson is hoping to create many more good memories at the Fischer County Ground after making a big impression last season.

The slow left armer made his first-class debut for Derbyshire at the home of the Foxes and did well with bat and ball, claiming 7-178 from 70.4 overs as well as scoring 48 not out.

Parkinson bowled with commendable accuracy and control in his first game and his performance clearly did not go unnoticed. The spinner took 2-34 from six overs on his Foxes debut against Multiply Titans yesterday, so immediately picked up where he left off.

He said: "It went pretty well in the two games that I played against Leicestershire last season and after having a couple of chats with Pierre (de Bruyn) I thought the move would make sense. It feels like the club have shown a lot of faith in me, which is nice.

"Making my debut at the Fischer County Ground, and to bowl as many overs as I did, was a career highlight. I'm hoping to put in many more good performances at the ground next season. On the whole the debut went really well with bat and ball, and I took myself by surprise a little bit if I'm honest.

"If you'd have told me at the start of last season that I'd play four first-class matches then I'd have taken that. I wouldn't have actually said that I'd have signed for Leicestershire but things happen quickly in cricket, and I am delighted to be here, so it has worked out really well."

The 20-year-old has been getting to know his new teammates over the last month after a spell in club cricket in Australia, including a fortnight training at the Fischer County Ground before the pre-season tour to South Africa.

"It's been really good, I had the majority of the winter in Melbourne but have been back for a month and getting to know the players. It's a tight-knit group of players and there are a lot of skills that have been on show, so it's all really exciting.

"I've got to know the boys and the coaching staff, and how they go about their business, and knowing everyone before I came helped me to settle into the pre-season tour.

"I probably didn't bowl as many overs as I'd have liked in Australia mainly due to the team's circumstances. We were bowling teams out pretty cheaply and winning by 8 or 9 wickets at the start of the season. 

"So I felt a little bit undercooked when I got back but I had two good weeks at the Fischer County Ground before I went on tour and that helped me get into the swing of things."

The 2016 cricket season was a memorable one for the Parkinson family as Callum's twin brother Matthew also made a big impression for Lancashire, including a five-for on debut. They also enjoy each other's success.

"It was really nice to share success with Matt, he got five wickets on debut against Warwickshire and we were both delighted for each other," said Parkinson.

"Mum and dad were there when Matt made his debut at Old Trafford, and they also came down at various points to see me at the Fischer County Ground, so they have been really pleased. 

"It was a really good month for the family and hopefully there are many good things to come from the pair of us."

* Don’t miss a ball during the 2017 season! Leicestershire CCC’s Membership packages are on sale through the club’s website HERE, or alternatively you can call 0116 283 2128.