James Anderson Shines with 7-35, Putting Lancashire in Command Against Nottinghamshire
James Anderson, the veteran fast bowler, demonstrated his timeless prowess by taking seven wickets for just 35 runs, propelling Lancashire to a dominant position against Nottinghamshire in their County Championship match. This stellar performance comes merely eight days before Anderson’s highly anticipated final Test appearance for England.
Lancashire’s Imposing First Innings
Lancashire declared their first innings at 353-9, driven by a masterful unbeaten 187 from Keaton Jennings. Nottinghamshire’s bowlers faced a challenging day, with Lyndon James managing to secure four wickets for 61 runs. Despite their efforts, Lancashire’s total set a formidable target for Nottinghamshire.
Six wickets in James Anderson's first spell in four months.
He's pretty good, isn't he? pic.twitter.com/ok4Q0X8KCu
— Vitality County Championship (@CountyChamp) July 2, 2024
Anderson’s Morning Destruction
Anderson’s spellbinding performance began with an extraordinary morning session where he claimed six wickets for just 19 runs, leaving Nottinghamshire reeling at 74-6 by lunch. His relentless accuracy and ability to exploit the overcast conditions made him nearly unplayable. Anderson added one more wicket in the afternoon, concluding Nottinghamshire’s innings at a mere 126 runs.
Nathan Lyon, the Australian spinner, remarked on Anderson’s brilliance, stating, “To do what he did this morning was pretty amazing to witness. Obviously, I’ve seen it when I’ve been on the other side, when I’m not standing there saying ‘come on Jimmy’, so that was amazing to watch and amazing to be a part of.”
Vintage Performance Ahead of Final Test
This match marked Anderson’s first appearance of the summer ahead of his final Test against the West Indies at Lord’s on 10 July. His figures of 7-35 were the best in the Championship season and showcased why he is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. This was Anderson’s 55th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, bringing his total first-class wicket tally to an astounding 1,121.
Lyon praised Anderson further, saying, “I’ve said this before, I’m very surprised that England have tapped him on the shoulder and said ‘you’ve got one more Test and that’s it’. He’s world-class. He’s probably the best to ever play the game as a fast bowler, and his skillset, especially in England, is remarkable.”
Nottinghamshire’s Struggles Continue
Following Lancashire’s declaration, Nottinghamshire’s second innings saw them end the day at 84-2, still trailing by 143 runs. Anderson did not take any wickets in the second innings, but Lyon continued to apply pressure, taking two crucial wickets.
‘The positive thing is it’s not a no.’
Will we see James Anderson bowling for @lancscricket again ?
🎙Head Coach Dale Benkenstein:#bbccricket pic.twitter.com/jxkKx2dSkH
— BBC Lancs Cricket (@BBCLancsCricket) July 3, 2024
The Impact of Anderson’s Mastery
Lancashire’s captain, Keaton Jennings, declared the innings immediately after achieving the necessary runs for a third batting point. He then positioned himself at second slip to witness Anderson’s breathtaking spell from the Harrod Drive End, which decimated Nottinghamshire’s top order.
Anderson’s first wicket came with a touch of fortune as Haseeb Hameed deflected the ball onto the stumps. However, the subsequent dismissals were a testament to his precision and skill. Will Young edged behind to wicketkeeper Matty Hurst, Joe Clarke was caught at second slip, and both Jack Haynes and Lyndon James were dismissed fending off rib-high deliveries.
By the time Liam Patterson-White edged to fourth slip, Anderson had completed a six-wicket haul before lunch. He returned after the break to dismiss Dillon Pennington, caught behind in the fifth over of the afternoon session.
Tom Bailey contributed by taking two wickets in consecutive balls, breaking a 41-run partnership between Ben Slater and Calvin Harrison. Bailey dismissed Harrison and then had Olly Stone caught at second slip. The innings concluded with a direct hit from Lyon, running out Dane Paterson after a resilient last-wicket stand of 42 with Slater.
Looking Ahead
James Anderson’s future beyond his international retirement remains uncertain, with no confirmation yet on whether he will continue his county career. However, his appointment as a fast-bowling mentor signals a continued influence on the next generation of English bowlers.
Lancashire’s strong position in this match reflects Anderson’s immense contribution, underscoring his legendary status and the significant gap he will leave in the sport.
