BROTHERLY love may go out of the window in the Parkinson household this summer as two Bolton twins attempt to forge careers in professional cricket.

Matt and Callum Parkinson are two of the town’s hottest prospects, with leg-spinner Matt earning himself his maiden professional contract with Lancashire in October.

Seventeen-year-old brother Callum was also on Lancashire’s books, and captained their under-17s to a league and cup double success last season.

But instead of moving on to the Red Rose county’s Academy, he has since taken up a place on the Derbyshire Academy ahead of 2015.

As Matt travels to Australia today on an England under-19s tour, he is well aware that he could come up against Callum, a fellow A-Level student at Cannon Slade, in second XI cricket.

“He’s on the books at Derbyshire now having left Lancs, and there’s a chance that I could play against him with him being on their Academy,” said Matt, who has signed Red Rose pro terms alongside fellow Boltonian Haseeb Hameed.

“We’re in the same group as Derby for most of the second XI competitions, and we have spoken about it.

“It would be interesting to play against him, no doubt a bit weird too.”

Parkinson admits it was a surprise to be offered senior terms at Emirates Old Trafford by former cricket director Mike Watkinson, who left the club shortly afterwards.

But he describes it as “a great chance to impress”, and he is hopeful of breaking into the first team this summer.

“I’ve been asked this question a lot, and I don’t really know what’s realistic for me this year,” he said.

“I’m not sure how much second team I’ll play and what chances will come. I’ve got the option of playing for Staffordshire in the Minor Counties like last year, and a lot depends on how much I’ll play in the seconds.

“If I get the chance to play a couple of games for the first team, that would be amazing.”

Parkinson travels to Australia today with Hameed and county colleague Saqib Mahmood, another first time professional this summer.

They will miss Lancashire’s pre-season tour and the first fortnight of the county season which starts on April 12.

When asked how he views himself as a cricketer, he answered: “I try to play with a smile on my face. I like to leave everything out there on the field. I’m quite aggressive whilst enjoying the game.”