Former England bowler Sir James Anderson has been appointed Lancashire captain for next season’s County Championship.
The 43-year-old, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, made his debut for the Red Rose in 2002 and has continued to play for Lancashire since retiring from the national team.
He joined as interim skipper last season and will now lead the red-ball side on a permanent basis in Division Two after signing a new contract in November.
“It was a great privilege to captain Lancashire for the first time last season and I am honored to take on the role full-time for the new season,” Anderson said.
“We have a fantastic group of players, a great mix of youth and experience, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together with promotion to Division One as our top priority.
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Watch Jimmy Anderson take on Northern Superchargers with a pair of quick-fire wickets in The Hundred for Manchester Originals.
“I am grateful to Crofty and my team-mates for their support and look forward to leading the team into a new County Championship season in April.”
New permanent manager Steven Croft, who, like Anderson, spent his entire playing career with Lancashire, praised Anderson as an example to the rest of the team.
“Jimmy is an outstanding leader who has a huge impact on the team. His experience in cricket is second to none and the way he stepped into the captaincy in the second half of last season showed exactly why he is the right man for the job,” Croft said.
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Former England cricketer Jimmy Anderson was knighted at Windsor Castle in October.
“He also leads the way through his on-field performances and his commitment and commitment to training and living the right lifestyle sets the perfect standard for the rest of the dressing room.”
Anderson’s first match will be away to Northamptonshire on 3 April 2026.
Hampshire sign Australian pitcher Nesser
Hampshire have signed Australian bowler Michael Neser on a short-term deal to play in next year’s County Championship.
Neser, who took five wickets in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane last week, has signed to play in the first six county championship matches of the season before the start of the T20 Blast.
The 35-year-old previously featured for Hampshire in 2024, taking 13 wickets in eight matches in the County Championship and T20 Blast.
Michael Neser impressed for Australia in the second Ashes Test.
Hampshire have also signed Australian batsman Jake Lehmann to a two-year all-format deal.
Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White said: “In Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann we have two players with the ability to make a significant impact.
“Michael provides valuable scoring goals along with his ball-handling ability. He will partner Kyle Abbott as one of our overseas players.”
Lehmann, the son of former Australia coach and current Northamptonshire coach Darren Lehmann, has scored more than 5,000 runs in first-class cricket for South Australia.
