England paceman James Anderson has pledged his future to Lancashire by penning a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2015.
The 31-year-old made his debut for the Red Rose country back in 2002 and it was not long before England came calling, with a one-day debut against Australia in December of that year.
The Burnley-born ace then made his Test debut against Zimbabwe the following summer and has gone on to play 87 five-day games for the national side.
Injuries and a dip in form meant that Lancashire saw more of Anderson than England for a few seasons in the middle of the last decade but, following the break-up of England’s superb pace quartet that took the Ashes on home soil in 2005, he was back in favour with the selectors.
And the talented swing bowler has taken his chance, with 329 Test wickets under his belt and only Sir Ian Botham ahead of him on the list of leading English wicket-takers.
He will, once again, be the leader of the attack as Alastair Cook’s men look to make it four straight Ashes series triumphs this winter and it is open to question as to how many times Anderson will actually play for Lancashire over the next two seasons.
But cricket director Mike Watkinson is delighted to secure his services and will be happy to see the ‘Burnley Express’ in Lancashire colours whenever possible.
“Jimmy has been an outstanding player and a great ambassador for the club,” he said. “It is great to see him play for us when his international duties allow him to and we are pleased that he has signed a new deal for Lancashire.”
Link Dafabet