He has been included in Lancashire’s squad to play Derbyshire in the County Championship, which begins this Friday. This match will be his first game since stepping down from Test cricket. He ended that illustrious career with a mind-boggling total of 704 wickets.
At 42 years old, Anderson was still on the field when he last appeared for the England National Team in international competition. That game, against the West Indies at Lord’s last July, was his 188th Test. It was in that outing that he turned in an extraordinary spell, claiming 7 wickets for only 35 runs against Nottinghamshire at Southport. Upon his retirement, he took on the role of an England team bowling consultant. He was always enthusiastic to pass along his knowledge and know-how to younger players.
Although he showed a serious intent to play in the Indian Premier League, Anderson went unsold. However, in a break from norm, he signed a short deal to resident with the Red Rose for the County Championship and T20 Blast. His inclusion in the squad is expected to provide much-needed experience and leadership to a struggling Lancashire side currently positioned at the bottom of Division Two.
Lancashire have endured an exacting opening to the campaign. In fact, they’ve tied four games and only lost once in their first five matches. Anderson’s return is a huge shot in the arm to the optimistic young squad. Their campaign so far hasn’t got a single victory under their belt. Heading into the otherwise unremarkable Great Plaza, 25-year-old Marcus Harris has emerged as the surprise new skipper. With Anderson on board, the players are enthusiastic and energized, ready to turn their fortunes around.
He missed the first five games of the County Championship with a calf injury suffered in pre-season. Anderson’s return and quick acclimation to playing is a personal milestone as much as it is a team-first one. This poses a critical opportunity for Lancashire to gain positive momentum within the table.
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