Double blow for Durham as Keaton Jennings departs after Graham Onions

Hardly 24 hours after the news of former English fast bowler and Durham veteran, Graham Onions, deciding his departure from the County did rounds all over, England opener Keaton Jennings also followed the path of Onions for a four-year stint at Lancashire.

Jennings stated his ambitions to feature in the Ashes squad despite a string of low scores in the South Africa series. The southpaw becomes the latest addition to the list of high-profile players to dissociate with Durham CCC.

The club has already lost their T20 captain Paul Coughlin to the Notts, which apparently infuriated Durham Chairman and Sky Sports commentator and analyst, Ian Botham. Both Mark Stoneman and Scott Borthwick also opted to sign a contract with Surrey last season.

“Despite being career-driven, the decision to move on has been agonizingly difficult for me. Everyone in the north has become and will remain, family to me but I am hugely excited about joining Lancashire and playing my cricket at Emirates Old Trafford,” commented Keaton Jennings according to Sky Sports.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to play Division One cricket at a Test Match ground for a club, like Lancashire, with such a great history and tradition. I have been hugely impressed by the vision for the future and playing a part in that alongside some hugely talented individuals and strong leaders,” further added Jennings.

Chapple ecstatic about the inclusion of Jennings in their roster

“I am very pleased Keaton has signed for Lancashire as I know there were other counties chasing his signature. He’s exactly the type of character and player I feel will add strength and depth to our squad. Keaton is a fantastic addition to the club and he will be an important part of the squad, in all formats of the game, over the coming years,” quoted an enthusiastic Lancashire Head Coach Glen Chapple.

Ian Botham wishes Jennings his future endeavors

“Keaton has been an important player for Durham, a natural leader and I have been hugely impressed by his professionalism and courtesy through what has been a very difficult decision for him. I would like to take the opportunity to wish him well for the future,” remarked Sir Ian Botham.