James Anderson agrees new one-year deal with Lancashire
The 42-year-old has not played since an emotional farewell to international cricket at Lord’s in July.
England’s record wicket-taker James Anderson will restart his career with Lancashire at the age of 42 after agreeing a new one-year contract with the county.
Anderson has not played since an emotional farewell to international cricket at Lord’s in July but has repeatedly suggested he has unfinished business after being nudged towards the exit door by the England management.
He went unsold after putting his name forward at the most recent Indian Premier League auction but has agreed to wear the Red Rose once again this summer, lacing up his bowling boots in Division Two of the Rothesay County Championship. He has also agreed to feature in the Vitality Blast, 11 years on from his previous T20 outing.
Anderson will turn 43 during the campaign and has spent long periods since his England exit acting as a fast bowling mentor with the Test side, but is ready to pick up where he left with Lancashire, having taken seven for 35 on his previous appearance for the club last year.
“I am incredibly excited to sign this contract with Lancashire and resume playing professional cricket again next season,” said the most prolific seamer in Test history with 704 scalps.
“This club has played a huge part in my life since I was a teenager, so to have the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help the side in both red and white ball cricket is one that I am really looking forward to.
“I have been working hard on keeping my fitness levels high and continuing to bowl regularly during my time as a coach with England throughout the winter, with the aim of being able to hit the ground running when the county season starts in April. I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford and to have the chance to walk out and bowl in front of our members and supporters again this summer is going to be really special.”
Anderson told PA over the summer that he harboured “intrigue” about trying his hand in the Hundred and could yet 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 to work with England’s bowlers in the summer months.
Lancashire’s director of cricket performance Mark Chilton, a long-time team-mate of Anderson, said: “It is fantastic news for all connected with the club that he has chosen to continue his playing career with Lancashire.
“From speaking to Jimmy recently, it became clear that his desire to resume playing professional cricket was strengthening every day and he was just desperate to get back out on the park. As it stands, he is fully committed to the county season across both the County Championship and Vitality Blast this summer, and whilst we all recognise he will have other opportunities, he has made it clear playing is his first priority.
“To be 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 squad and I’ve no doubt that our members and supporters, and cricket fans around the world, will be equally as thrilled to watch Jimmy in action for Lancashire again next summer.”
