James Anderson made a remarkable return to competitive cricket, taking seven wickets for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire in the County Championship match. The 41-year-old veteran fast bowler demonstrated his skill and experience with figures of 7-19, including a devastating spell before lunch where he claimed 6 wickets as Notts struggled to 74-6.
This match marks Anderson’s first appearance of the summer as he prepares for his farewell Test match for England against West Indies at Lord’s on 10th July. This upcoming Test will be the 188th of his illustrious career, spanning back to his debut in 2003. Anderson currently holds the record for the most Test wickets by any fast bowler, having taken 700 scalps.
His performance against Nottinghamshire included his 55th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, further cementing his status as a legend of the sport. Anderson’s total tally of first-class wickets now stands at an impressive 1,121. While he has been appointed as a fast-bowling mentor post his international retirement, Anderson has not yet confirmed whether he will retire from county cricket, leaving his future in the format open-ended.