James Anderson has been appointed Lancashire’s permanent captain for the upcoming County Championship season, having previously led the side in an interim role during the last campaign.
After extending his contract with Lancashire by one year, Anderson has now been entrusted with added responsibility, with the club confirming him as full-time captain for the new red-ball season.
Lancashire had a difficult start to the previous County Championship, which led to Keaton Jennings stepping down as captain. Marcus Harris was initially named interim skipper, but the Australian batter returned home to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. During that time, Anderson captained Lancashire in two matches as stand-in leader.
The 43-year-old England legend has now been confirmed as the permanent captain, a decision that has delighted the most successful fast bowler in Test history.
Anderson retired from international cricket in July last year, playing his final Test against West Indies at Lord’s. He finished his England career with an outstanding 704 wickets from 188 Tests.
Despite stepping away from international duty, Anderson has continued to make a strong impact in domestic cricket. In the last County Championship, he took 17 wickets in six matches and also gained his first experience of leading Lancashire.
After nearly a decade away from T20 cricket, Anderson returned in impressive fashion, claiming 20 wickets in 11 matches to help Lancashire reach the semi-finals of the Vitality Blast. At the age of 43, he also made his debut in The Hundred.
Keaton Jennings will continue to captain Lancashire in the Vitality Blast.
Lancashire will begin their next County Championship campaign on April 3 with a match against Northamptonshire.
