James Anderson ready to lift rock-bottom Lancashire in comeback

ANI May 16, 2025 261 views

James Anderson is set to return for Lancashire after retiring from Test cricket last year. The 43-year-old fast bowler last played for the county in July 2023 before his final Test appearance. Lancashire hopes his experience can help turn around their struggling season. Meanwhile, Marcus Harris takes over as interim captain following Keaton Jennings' departure.

"Anderson has recovered from a calf injury and is set to make his first appearance for the Red Rose in 11 months." – Lancashire Cricket
New Delhi May 16: Ten months after his last Test appearance against the West Indies at Lord's the previous year, England's legendary seamer James Anderson is prepared to make a comeback in professional cricket, as per a release from Lancashire cricket.

Key Points

1

Anderson returns after 11-month absence post-Test retirement

2

Lancashire seeks revival with veteran seamer

3

Marcus Harris debuts as interim captain

4

Derbyshire unbeaten in County Championship

James Anderson was named in Lancashire Men's 14-man squad on Thursday for the Rothesay County Championship match against Derbyshire at Emirates Old Trafford, which starts on May 17.

Anderson has recovered from a calf injury which ruled him out of the opening five matches of the season and is set to make his first appearance for the Red Rose in 11 months and his first since retiring from Test Cricket.

Anderson's last appearance for Lancashire came in July, on the eve of his 188th and final Test, when he claimed first-innings figures of 7 for 35 against Nottinghamshire at Southport.

The 43-year-old retired from international cricket in 2024 after claiming 704 Test wickets--the most by an English bowler and the most by any fast bowler in history. He played 188 Tests, ending his England career with a final match against the West Indies at Lord's in July 2024. His journey began at the same ground back in May 2003, when he made his debut against Zimbabwe.

The match will be Australian Marcus Harris' first as interim captain after Keaton Jennings stood down as four-day skipper on Tuesday. Harris is the leading run scorer across both divisions of the Rothesay County Championship with 749.

Tom Aspinwall remains unavailable after suffering a side strain in the opening match of the season at Lord's. Derbyshire are unbeaten after five games, winning one and drawing the other four. They are sat on 74 points, 21 behind league leaders Leicestershire (95).

Lancashire squad: Marcus Harris (c), James Anderson, Tom Bailey, George Balderson, George Bell, Josh Bohannon, Tom Hartley, Matty Hurst, Keaton Jennings, Michael Jones, Anderson Phillip, Ollie Sutton, Luke Wells, Will Williams.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the James Anderson comeback article:
R
Rahul K.
What a legend! 704 Test wickets is no joke. Even though he's English, we Indians respect true cricketing greats. Hope he has a good comeback - the game needs characters like Anderson. His swing bowling was poetry in motion!
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Priya M.
At 43 years old and still playing county cricket? That's some serious dedication to the sport. Indian players usually retire much earlier from domestic cricket. Shows the difference in sporting cultures maybe? 🤔
A
Arjun S.
Remember when Anderson used to trouble our batsmen in England? Those were tough times for Team India. But we've come a long way since then in overseas Tests. Still, hats off to this champion bowler!
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Sneha R.
Lancashire at rock bottom? Didn't know county cricket was so competitive! Hope Anderson can inspire them like how Dhoni used to lift CSK from tough situations. Cricket needs these veteran comebacks - makes the game more interesting!
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Vikram J.
While I respect Anderson's achievements, I feel England held on to him for too long in Tests. We Indians are sometimes too quick to drop senior players, but England goes to the other extreme. Balance is important in team selection.
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Neha P.
That 7/35 against Nottinghamshire last year shows he's still got it! Would love to see him mentor young Indian pacers someday. Our BCCI should invite him for coaching sessions - imagine what our bowlers could learn from him! 🇮🇳🏏

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James Anderson Lancashire Cricket County Championship England Cricket Marcus Harris