England star James Anderson returns to County Championship action for Lancashire tomorrow for the first time this season.
The veteran seamer has had an illustrious career to date, claiming 867 first-class wickets, with 526 of those being taken in Test cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board have released the 35-year-old in order to gain match fitness ahead of England’s Test series against Pakistan later on in the month.
Lancashire Head Coach Glen Chapple welcomed the news and said: “It’s always brilliant to have Jimmy back to bolster the seam attack.
“We’re obviously very happy with our bowling attack but Jimmy will only strengthen it.”
Management at Lancashire have a real conundrum as to who will make way for Anderson as all bowlers have heavily contributed with bat and/or ball throughout the opening three rounds.
There are also question marks over whether or not there will be a place for leg spinner Matthew Parkinson. Parkinson, 21, played in the away match against Essex but was subsequently dropped for the match last weekend against Surrey.
When asked whether or not there was a space for Parkinson, Chapple replied: “Spinners will always be considered here at Old Trafford over four days, so we’ll have to wait and see”.
Somerset are the visitors to Emirates Old Trafford tomorrow when they take on Lancashire in the Specsavers County Championship.
The two sides are at the opposite ends of the table as Somerset have a 100% record with two wins out of two, meanwhile Lancashire, who are without a win in three, are second from bottom.
The Red Roses came close last weekend against Surrey, but were unable to cross the line as the game ended in a draw. Somerset picked up a comprehensive victory at home to Yorkshire at the CACG in Taunton.
Credit: Lancs CCC
Both sides can take positives from their respective matches. Lancashire will be delighted that five of their squad managed fifties. This is the first time since the 2013 that five team members have scored fifties in the same innings.
Somerset on the other hand have been boosted by overseas signing Matt Renshaw. The Australian has had a stellar start to his first season in the West Country as he has managed to score 228 runs in four innings at an average of 57. The 22-year-old scored 112 off 99 balls against Yorkshire and brought up both his fifty and his century with sixes.
Lancashire will be looking to win their last Championship match at home until June 9.
Here’s everything you need to know about Lancashire County Cricket Club.
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