Former England bowler Sir James Anderson has been named as 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 his international retirement.
He stepped in as captain on a temporary basis last season and will now lead the red-ball side on a permanent basis in Division 2, having signed a new contract in November.
“Captain Lancashire for the first time last season was a huge privilege and I’m honored to take on the role full-time in the new season,” Anderson said.
“We have a fantastic group of players, a great mix of youth and experience and I’m excited about what we can achieve together, with promotion to Division 1 our number one priority.”
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Watch Jimmy Anderson get up and run in The Hundred for Manchester Originals with a pair of quick wickets against Northern Superchargers
“I’m grateful for the support from Crofty and my team-mates, and I’m looking forward to leading the team into the new county championship season in April.
New permanent head coach Stephen Croft, who like Anderson spent his entire playing career in Lancashire, hailed Anderson as an example to the rest of his squad.
“Jimmy is an outstanding leader whose impact on the team is huge. His experience in cricket is second to none and the way he stepped into the captaincy during the second half of last season showed exactly why he is the right person for the job,” said Croft.
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Former England cricketer Jimmy Anderson was knighted at Windsor Castle in October
“He also leads the way with his performances on the pitch and his dedication and commitment to training and a proper lifestyle sets the perfect standard for the rest of the dressing room.”
Anderson’s first match in charge will be away to Northamptonshire on April 3, 2026.
Hampshire sign Australian bowler Nesser
Hampshire have signed Australian bowler Michael Nesser on a short-term deal to play in next year’s county championship.
Nesser, who took five wickets in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane last week, has signed up to play in the first six County Championship games of the season before the T20 Blast begins.
The 35-year-old previously played for Hampshire in 2024 when he took 13 wickets in eight matches in the County Championship and T20 Blast.
Michael Nesser impressed for Australia in the second Ashes Test
Hampshire have also signed Australian all-rounder Jake Lehmann on a two-year, all-format deal.
Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White said: “In Michael Nesser and Jake Lehmann we have two players who have the ability to make a significant impact.
“Michael brings valuable runs alongside his quality with the ball – he will partner Kyle Abbott as one of our overseas players.”
Lehmann, the son of former Australian coach and current Northamptonshire coach Darren Lehmann, has scored over 5,000 runs in first-class cricket for South Australia.