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James Anderson's Durham Clash in Doubt as Lancashire Manage Veteran's Workload

Lancashire head coach Steven Croft has indicated a late decision will be made on whether veteran pacer James Anderson will play against Durham this Friday. Anderson, 43, is the leading wicket-taker in the county season but has bowled extensively across Lancashire's first three matches. The team management is weighing workload concerns ahead of a demanding schedule, despite Anderson's instrumental role in their strong start. Lancashire will definitely be without injured players Luke Wells and Ajeet Singh Dale for the top-of-the-table clash.

Key Points: James Anderson Availability Uncertain for Lancashire vs Durham

  • Anderson is county cricket's leading wicket-taker
  • Lancashire tops Division Two table
  • Veteran has bowled nearly 100 overs in two weeks
  • Team faces decision before crucial Durham fixture
  • Squad also missing Wells and Singh Dale to injury
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Anderson's availability uncertain for Durham clash as Lancashire weigh workload concerns

Lancashire coach Steven Croft says a late call will be made on James Anderson's availability for the crucial County Championship clash against Durham.

"Jimmy's in incredible condition at the minute, but obviously the body is going to be creaking a little bit. - Steven Croft"

New Delhi, April 21

Lancashire County Cricket Club head coach Steven Croft has said a late call will be taken on the availability of veteran pacer and captain James Anderson for their upcoming County Championship clash against Durham County Cricket Club, beginning on Friday.

Anderson, 43, who retired from international cricket in July 2024, has been instrumental in Lancashire's strong start to the season, leading from the front with both ball and captaincy as the side sits atop Division Two with two wins and a draw from three matches. The experienced seamer is currently the leading wicket-taker in county cricket this season, claiming 21 wickets at an impressive average of 12.09.

However, with Anderson having bowled nearly 100 overs across three matches in just over two weeks, the team management is cautious about his workload ahead of a demanding schedule.

"I think it's a bit of a waiting game. Jimmy's in incredible condition at the minute, but obviously the body is going to be creaking a little bit," Croft told BBC Radio Lancashire.

The England ace began his campaign with a five-wicket haul against Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and followed it up with a decisive spell of 4-18 in a low-scoring win over Derbyshire County Cricket Club. Most recently, he turned the tide against Gloucestershire County Cricket Club with three wickets in four deliveries, helping Lancashire seal another victory.

Those performances have propelled Lancashire to the top of the table, just ahead of Durham, setting up a crucial contest at the Riverside. With a scheduled break following the fixture, the team faces a key decision on whether to field Anderson for a fourth consecutive match.

"The performance he's not just put in on Sunday, but in the whole season so far, a 21-year-old would be feeling it. Hopefully, he can be fit, but we'll just have to assess in the next few days," Croft said.

Meanwhile, Lancashire will definitely be without opener Luke Wells, who suffered a dislocated shoulder, and fast bowler Ajeet Singh Dale, sidelined with a hamstring injury, both picked up during the previous match in Bristol.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Smart management by Lancashire. 100 overs in two weeks is a huge workload for any fast bowler, let alone someone his age. Player welfare should always come first, even if the match is crucial.
A
Ananya R
He's playing like he's in his prime! But I respectfully disagree with the article's tone a bit. While his form is amazing, constantly highlighting his age feels unnecessary. His performance speaks for itself, no need for the "body creaking" narrative.
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Vikram M
This is top-of-the-table clash! They need him. But also, where is the next generation for Lancashire? If a 43-year-old is carrying your bowling attack, that's a concern for the future.
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Karthik V
As an Indian cricket fan, we've seen Anderson trouble our batsmen for years. Hats off to his dedication. Hope he plays and does well (but not against any Indian players in future, obviously! 😄).
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Michael C
The stats are unbelievable: 21 wickets at 12.09. That's dominance. It shows the gulf in class between a world-class operator and regular county cricketers. Lancashire must manage this asset carefully.

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