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Onions awarded benefit year

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Graham Onions has been awarded a benefit year by Durham next season, which will be his 12th at the north-east club.

The 32-year-old seamer has won three LV= County Championship titles since his first-class debut in 2004 and was part of the England team that retained the Ashes in 2009.

"I am really proud to have been granted a benefit year and I'm looking forward to sharing it with all the members," he said.

"I have enjoyed some amazing moments with Durham. From signing my first professional contract, to making my home debut and winning the Friends Provident Trophy at Lord's, then the three championship medals and recently the Royal London One-Day Cup.

"Playing for Durham means the world to me and I always feel incredibly lucky to be representing the club I love."

Onions has taken 459 first-class wickets during a career that has been interrupted by injury.

A back problem most significantly has prevented him from playing more than his nine Tests for England, which was highlighted by that Ashes success and taking two wickets with the first two balls of the second day’s play at Edgbaston.

Graham Onions, pictured here kissing the LV= County Championship trophy in 2013, has been awarded a Benefit Year at Durham

"I am immensely proud that I have represented my country,” he said.

“Making my Test debut at Lord's, getting on the honours board and playing a part in an Ashes-winning team are highlights that I will never forget.”

He has selected the Special Care Baby Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, the PCA Benevolent Fund, and Steve Cram's COCO (Comrades of Children Overseas) charity.

He added: "Throughout next year I'll be hosting some exciting events which I really hope will raise lots of money for four charities that are very close to my heart."

Onions’ 2014 season was beset by injuries with a back problem initially ruling him out, after touring Sri Lanka with England Lions, before an abdominal injury ended his summer early.

The Gateshead-born right-armer’s absence was sorely missed after he claimed 70 wickets to help Paul Collingwood's men secure the championship in 2013.

Durham chief executive David Harker added: "Graham is a great example of what Durham is all about. He is a local lad who spent time in our Academy and progressed through the ranks before achieving England honours.

"I'm delighted that Durham supporters will have an opportunity to recognise his contribution to the club over the years and I really hope that his benefit is a huge success.”


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