England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson is ready to play cricket again. After nearly a year away from the field, Anderson has been named in Lancashire’s squad for their next County Championship match against Derbyshire, starting Friday at Old Trafford.
The 42-year-old bowler has not played a competitive game since his final Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s in June 2024, which was an emotional goodbye to international cricket. Anderson holds the record for the most Test wickets by any fast bowler an incredible 704 wickets. No other England bowler has ever reached that number.
Time Away From the Game
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After retiring from international matches, Anderson stayed involved with cricket. He became a bowling consultant for the England team and kept saying he still wanted to play at the domestic level.
Earlier this year, he signed a one-year contract with Lancashire, his home team. But a calf injury stopped him from playing the first five games of the season. Now that he is fit again, fans are excited to see him back on the field.
Lancashire in Trouble – Can James Anderson Help?
Lancashire have had a tough season so far. They are at the bottom of the Second Division and have not won a single match yet. Things got so bad that captain Keaton Jennings stepped down earlier this week.
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The team hopes Anderson’s return can lift the mood and improve results. His experience, skill, and leadership could be just what Lancashire needs right now.
Other England Players Back in County Cricket
Brydon Carse, another fast bowler for England, is also returning to county cricket. He has joined Durham’s squad for their game against Nottinghamshire, the top team in the First Division.
Carse did well during England’s winter tours in Pakistan and New Zealand, but blisters and toe injuries kept him out recently. England hopes he can regain form ahead of the five-match Test series against India, which begins on June 20.
Young Star James Rew Also Back for Somerset
James Rew, a 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, will play for Somerset in their match against Sussex. Rew is also in England’s Test squad for next week’s game against Zimbabwe, but he has been released to play in the county game first.
He was picked as back-up for the injured Jordan Cox, and unless another player drops out, Rew will not make his debut yet. But playing in the Championship match will give him more experience and help him stay ready.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Resumes: Latest Team Changes And Updates
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