LANCASHIRE coach Glen Chapple believes Josh Bohannon could have plenty to offer the county this season.
Ex-Farnworth Social Circle player Bohannon established himself in the Red Rose side's first-team squad last year.
And Chapple wants more of the same this summer.
Bohannon's breakthrough year provided strong evidence the county have a third Bolton star in their first-team ranks, alongside batsman Haseeb Hameed and spin bowler Matt Parkinson.
And it is the variety in his game which makes Bohannon a player who is causing a stir at Old Trafford.
Primarily impressing with his batting in the County Championship, the 21-year-old from Farnworth played all forms of first-team cricket last season and provides food for thought with his bowling.
He scored 255 runs in the 2018 County Championship – with two half-centuries – including a match-clinching 78 not out against Worcestershire at Southport in late August.
“It’s always good for a young player to make a match-winning contribution, and to do something good early on creates a level of excitement,” said Chapple.
“The knock he played at Southport was exceptional.
“Obviously there are a few nerves around, but his underlying belief and desire to do well is evident. He is a competitive player.
“Coaches have a lot of confidence in him, and you can see the ability he’s got.
“It was a great breakthrough season for him. Hopefully he’ll find his second season as successful, if not more so.
“He’s a great athlete, and he’s got a good technique. But he can also play expansive shots.
“He can open the batting in one-day cricket, but he’s also good at the death. Obviously, he bowls as well, so he could help us by playing as a fourth seamer and lengthening the batting order.
“He’s very versatile, and that’s great for a cricketer in this day and age because the game’s changed so much.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here