Agathangelou reflects on Championship success.

With Lancashire back in Division One, I caught-up with one of the teams future stars, Andrea Agathangelou, who was able to reflect on his first full season for the Red Rose County.

Originally born in South Africa, Agathangelou is eligible to play for Lancashire, courtesy of a Cypriot passport from his father’s side, joining the club on a scholarship in 2010 and becoming a new signing just one year later.

Often referred to as ‘Aggers’, this talented all-rounder described this season as “Absolutely incredible. It’s a big step up in terms of playing second team cricket. It’s really been an honour to represent the county and it’s been a really amazing time in my career.”

Tannoy announcers at hosting counties have often made humorous attempts at pronouncing his name, but Agathangelou is fast making a name for himself, contributing in all three aspects of the game in Lancashire’s return to the first division.

Agathangelou hits a six in Lancashire's recent win
over Hampshire at Southport.

When asked which feature of his game he views is the most significant to the team, he said: “Definitely my batting,” which is understandable, given his average of 33.31. “Obviously my bowling and the fielding helps and its always nice to be able to help the team in as many ways as possible, but certainly batting is my main art, that’s probably the most important, just putting as many runs on the board as possible.”

A regular figure in the teams slip-cordon, Agathangelou has claimed 23 catches in just ten matches, the most by any non-wicket-keeping player in the entire division and he has, perhaps, a presence resembling the likes of Andrew Flintoff when it comes to slip-catching.

In a memorable season for the 23-year-old, his maiden century for the club against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl proves to be the most significant thus far. “The whole set up of how I got my opportunity to play, with Paul Horton dislocating his finger the night before and Simon Katich then getting hit on the head half an hour before the toss, and getting the nod just before the toss was made, and then to go on and take my opportunity was awesome.”

The significance of team chemistry at Lancashire has been undisputed for some time now and Agathangelou see’s this as an important part of the team at the present and in terms of going forward.

“That’s arguably one of the most important things as a side. You need to know that your partners got your back and in terms of comradery between all the players, its something I’ve never experienced before. It’s like a brotherhood in the squad, behind the changing room doors and out on the field and I think that’s what we’ve always needed. The fact that we’ve always gelled so well is going to be key for us leading in to division one.”

He was also keen to highlight the power of the fan base at the club and how important it is to him and the rest of the team. “A lot of the times you travel away and there’s a bit of a home town advantage for the opposition and to see the same faces, the guys always having smiles on their faces, always greeting you, always having nice things to say just keeps you pumped. It makes a real big difference and it’s awesome to have.”

With promotion secured and the Division Two title likely to be clinched in this round of matches, Agathangelou commented on Lancashire’s chances next season in the first division.

Looking back to the 2011 season, Lancashire were not given much of a chance by the critics and, against all the odds, achieved their first outright Championship title in 77 years, but the Red Rose county are likely to be pinned as underdogs before the start of the 2014 season.

‘Aggers’ however, believes that “Some people might be losing some money on us. I think we’ve got a really good chance. I think the way the boys have played this season it’s just given us a chance to play without fear, and I think we’ve developed that massive aspect of our game. If we can find a way to carry that on we are going to be surprising many people and I think we’re going to do really well.”

As the 2013 summer appears to have spontaneously disappeared, he commented on how he is aiming to “Take a week or two off and flex my muscles on the beach! After that it’s going to be straight back in, I’m going to work really hard on my bowling and try to come back and make that a bigger string in my bow, and just keep ticking along and making myself fit, and come back with a bang!"