Callum Francis Parkinson is an English cricketer known for his skills as a slow left-arm bowler and his ability to contribute with the bat. While he may not receive the same level of attention as his twin brother, Matt, Callum has proven himself to be a promising player in his own right.
Born in England, Callum and his brother grew up playing club cricket at Urmston in the Cheshire League. In 2015, they made history by becoming the first twins to represent Staffordshire in cricket. Prior to his professional career, Callum also spent time at the Lancashire academy, honing his skills and preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
Callum Parkinson joined Leicestershire in 2016, signing a two-year contract after impressing the club during his debut Championship season. He made an immediate impact, taking 11 out of his 14 wickets against Derbyshire, his former team. This performance caught the attention of the Leicestershire management, convincing them to acquire his services.
In his first season with Leicestershire, Parkinson showcased his talents in both the red-ball and limited-overs formats. He demonstrated his skill with the ball in the Championship matches, including a standout performance where he took eight wickets in an innings against Worcestershire. His consistent performances earned him a spot as one of the most reliable bowlers in the team.
However, it is in the shortest format of the game, T20 cricket, where Parkinson has truly excelled. He quickly established himself as a key player in Leicestershire’s T20 side, showcasing his ability to contain runs while also taking wickets. Parkinson’s confidence grew, and he even bowled with the new ball during the Powerplay, a testament to his skills and the trust placed in him by the team management.
His contributions played a crucial role in Leicestershire’s success in the T20 Blast competition. The team reached the quarter-finals in both 2017 and 2020, with Parkinson playing a pivotal role in their journey. His consistent performances in T20 cricket led to his appointment as the vice-captain of the club at the end of the season, a recognition of his leadership qualities and dedication to the team.
The year 2021 saw Parkinson’s best red-ball season so far. He showcased his bowling prowess by claiming an impressive 50 wickets at an average of 29.04. This included a remarkable performance where he took ten wickets in a match that resulted in an innings win against Gloucestershire. Additionally, he displayed improved consistency in the white-ball format, making valuable contributions to the team’s success.
Callum Parkinson’s cricketing journey is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport. Less heralded than his twin brother, he has quietly but steadily built a promising career, leaving an indelible mark on Leicestershire cricket. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, fans and teammates alike eagerly anticipate the exciting performances he will deliver in the years to come.
