James Anderson, England’s leading bowler and three-times Ashes winner, has signed a contract extension with Lancashire to keep him at the club until 2015.
Anderson, 31, made his Lancashire debut in 2002, shortly before being selected for his country.
Anderson’s availability for the Red Rose has waned in recent years but the Burnley boy is clearly proud of his roots.
“I am delighted to extend my stay,” he told the club website.
Anderson is second on England’s all-time leading wicket takers list, 71 wickets behind England legend Ian Botham.
In 156 first-class appearances for Lancashire, Anderson has taken 589 wickets at an economical average of 27.38.
Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson praised Anderson’s influence on the county’s younger players.
“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.”
Lancashire are looking to strengthen their squad after they won promotion to Division One in September, a year after being relegated.
Anderson’s new deal comes weeks after Lancashire signed Jos Buttler, England’s limited-overs keeper-batsman who is regarded as one of the most exciting talents on the circuit.
Both Anderson and Buttler will spend their winter in Australia. Anderson will be vital to England’s defence of their Ashes title while Buttler will be looking to consolidate his role as England’s first choice keeper-batsman.
Image courtesy of SkySports via YouTube, with thanks.
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