by England record player James Anderson will resume his Lancashire career at the age of 42 after agreeing a new one-year contract with the county.
Anderson has not played since his emotional farewell to international cricket at Lord’s in July, but has repeatedly hinted he has unfinished business after being pushed out the exit door by the England management.
He remained unsold after putting his name forward at the last Indian Premier League auction, but has agreed to wear the Red Rose again this summer, lacing up his bowling boots in the County Championship Second Division. Rothesay. He also agreed to feature in Vitality Blast, 11 years after his previous T20 outing.
Anderson will be 43 during the campaign and has spent long periods since leaving England acting as a fast bowling mentor with the Test team, but is ready to pick up where he left with Lancashire , having taken seven for 35 in his previous appearance for the club last year.
“I’m incredibly excited to sign this contract with Lancashire and return to professional cricket next season,” said the most prolific seamer in Test history with 704 scalps.
“This club has played a huge role in my life since I was a teenager, so to have the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help the team in red and white ball cricket is something I will love. really looking forward to it.
“I have worked hard to keep my fitness levels high and continue to play regularly during my coaching tenure with England throughout the winter, with the aim of being able to hit the ground running when the county season begins in April. I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford and having the chance to come out and play in front of our members and supporters again this summer will be really special.
Anderson told PA over the summer that he harbored “plots” about trying out for the Hundred and could still make himself available for that tournament. He continues to co-host the popular Tailenders podcast, has broadcast experience as a pundit and it remains to be seen how much space his schedule will allow him to work with England’s bowlers during the summer months.
The news will be warmly welcomed by his Lancashire teammates, desperate to bounce back into the top flight, but it is likely to strike worry in the hearts of second-tier hitters across the country.
Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, a long-time teammate of Anderson, said: “It is fantastic news for everyone connected with the club that he has chosen to continue his playing career in Lancashire.
“Speaking to Jimmy recently, it became clear that his desire to return to playing professional cricket was growing stronger every day and that he was just desperate to get back on the park. As it stands, he is fully committed to the county season, both the County Championship and Vitality Blast this summer, and while we all recognize he will have other opportunities, he has made it clear that acting was his first priority.
“Being able to share a dressing room with England’s all-time leading wicket-taker and one of cricket’s greatest players is incredible for our team and I am confident that our members and supporters, as well as cricket fans across the world, will be just as excited to see Jimmy in action for Lancashire next summer.
