James Anderson will have options to extend his legendary playing career after being told he will not be given a new contract by Lancashire. A number of counties are keen to speak to the 44-year-old if he decides to continue playing next summer. Anderson will leave Old Trafford following Lancashire's decision to release him from the club for whom he first played professionally 25 years ago.
Despite planning to play another year, Anderson, who captained Lancashire last season, was told he will not be given a new deal. The exit leaves England's all-time leading wicket-taker with a decision over whether to retire or speak to other counties. It is understood clubs in both divisions of the County Championship would be interested, and some have already reached out. Any move would likely depend on the finances of the deal, the role offered and the logistics of spending time away from his home in Cheshire.
For a county, signing Anderson would represent an acquisition of unmatched quality on and off the field. Last summer, he was Lancashire's County Championship player of the year, taking 50 wickets in Division Two, with only six other second-tier bowlers managing more. A new county could also see him transition into a coaching role at the end of his playing career, tapping into his vast knowledge.
There would be an element of risk. Although he remains supremely fit, his age might mean he is only one injury away from retirement, and he has been troubled by calf problems in the latter stages of his career. Anderson was told of Lancashire's decision by chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace on Monday, and was not offered the chance to stay on reduced terms. Lancashire have yet to comment publicly, though a members' forum on Monday is expected to address the matter. Anderson's contract does not officially expire until the end of October, and it has been suggested Lancashire would like him to stay involved in some capacity. Given how his Lancashire career has ended, however, it is far from certain he would be open to that.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing