Former England fast bowler James Anderson proved yet again why he remains one of cricket’s ageless wonders. At 42, Anderson captained Lancashire against Derbyshire in a Division Two County Championship clash at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield. The match had a nostalgic air, with both captains — Anderson and Derbyshire’s Wayne Madsen — over 40, a rarity last seen in a Derbyshire game 51 years ago.
Anderson chose to bat on a green wicket, forcing Lancashire to scrap hard for runs against disciplined Derbyshire bowling. Keaton Jennings and Chris Green stood out with centuries, helping Lancashire post 367 on Day 1.
On Day 2, eyes turned to Anderson with the ball in hand, and the veteran delivered. He trapped opener Mitchell Wagstaff in front in just his third over and produced a peach to dismiss Caleb Jewell in the fifth. By lunch, Anderson had figures of 7-1-19-2, comfortably the pick of Lancashire’s bowlers.
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Throughout this County season, Anderson has consistently delivered early breakthroughs, continuing a pattern that has defined his long career. In Lancashire’s previous fixture against Kent, he took two crucial wickets with the new ball on the final day, though Daniel Bell-Drummond eventually led Kent to safety.
Pretty comprehensively bowled Admin would say… 🔥@jimmy9 on the march early on Day Two at Chesterfield.
🌹 #RedRoseTogether https://t.co/ogUFTRBp1g pic.twitter.com/CI29n9kb4M
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) June 30, 2025
This game marks Anderson’s final outing as Lancashire captain. He stepped in to lead with regular skipper Marcus Harris back in Australia for the birth of his child.
Earlier this season, Anderson played just once in the Championship, missing early fixtures due to a calf injury. However, he returned with success in the Vitality Blast and showed glimpses of his vintage best.
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This year alone, Lancashire have had three red-ball captains, with Harris taking over from Jennings after a difficult start to 2025 that also led to head coach Dale Benkenstein’s departure.
