England’s veteran pacer James Anderson sizzled in his first game for Lancashire with a six-wicket opening spell in the County Championship in the match against Nottinghamshire in the Southport on July 2nd, Tuesday. Anderson was making a comeback to competitive cricket after almost four months since the conclusion of the 5-match Test series against India in March. Anderson impressed with his bowling ahead of his farewell Test for England at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, showcasing that he still has a lot of fuel left in his tank.
It was the day three of the County Division match and Anderson opened the attack and ran through Nottingham’s top-order. In a dramatic collapse triggered by Anderson, the side was reduced to 40/6 within 17 overs as they were chasing Lancashire’s daunting total of 353 runs. The pacer’s wicket-taking spree started from his third over when he cleaned up the Nottingham captain, Haseeb Hameed, for 10 runs.
James Anderson’s dream spell
In the next four overs, Andreson went onto dismiss New Zealand batter Will Young, wicket-keeper Joe Clarke, Jack Haynes and Lyndon James. His sixth scalp came in his sixth straight over as he also got the wicket of Liam Patterson-White for four runs. The 42-year-old completed his opening spell of 10 overs with 2 maidens, six wickets and 19 runs.
The pacer’s wicket tally in the First-Class matches reached 1120, and he claimed his 55th five-for. It was a magnificent build-up for his farewell Test for England, which will begin on July 10 against the West Indies.
Last dance for Anderson
Anderson announced that he will retire from international cricket after the Lord’s Test against West Indies.
“Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord’s will be my last Test. It’s been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I’ve loved since I was a kid. I’m going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling,” Anderson wrote in his Instagram post.
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