James Anderson is set to make his professional return for Lancashire, nearly ten months after his final Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s. Following a calf injury that saw him miss the first five matches of the Rothesay County Championship season, the former England seamer, who will soon turn 43, has been named in Lancashire’s 14-man squad. If all goes well, he’ll feature in the match against Derbyshire at Emirates Old Trafford.
The club, currently at the bottom of Division Two, looks to Anderson for his veteran expertise. Lancashire’s head coach, Dale Benkenstein, expressed his optimism: “We obviously get a bit of a boost with Jimmy Anderson being available. He’s worked so hard, and he’s an amazing professional at his age. And what he’s achieved, the work that he’s put in to get back and ready for this game, is amazing.”
Anderson last played for Lancashire last July, just before his 188th and final Test, where he took an impressive 7 for 35 against Nottinghamshire at Southport. Benkenstein emphasised Anderson’s value: “It’s invaluable, as we have missed it over the beginning of the season. It’s great to have him back.”
Although Anderson retired with a record 704 Test wickets, he has continued his involvement in the cricket world by working as a bowling consultant with England. However, this summer, he has stepped back as Tim Southee from New Zealand will take up a similar role with the England Test squad.
Despite attempts to join the IPL and the Hundred, Anderson remains committed to Lancashire, signing a multi-format deal. With luck, fans could see him in a T20 match for the first time in over a decade when the T20 Blast starts later this month. His upcoming game also marks his first since being knighted in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours last month.
Lancashire’s recent performance led to public apologies after a three-day loss to Northamptonshire, leaving them in last place. A leadership change has seen Marcus Harris appointed as captain. Harris, previously an Ashes rival for Anderson, has contributed significantly this summer with 749 runs at an average of 83.22, including three centuries. “Marcus is a very established cricketer and a very experienced person,” Benkenstein noted. “I’m hoping that fresh pair of eyes gives us that spark we need.”
