Former England fast bowler and Lancashire captain, Sir James Anderson, turned back the clock on Saturday, April 4, by claiming his 56th five-wicket haul in First-Class cricket against Northamptonshire during the Rothesay County Championship. Anderson delivered an impressive 5 for 64 in the first innings, helping to limit the opposition to 215 for 9. Remarkably, this was his first professional match in six months, with his last appearance at the top level back in September 2025. 

Even though he hung up his international boots two years ago, Anderson remains an essential part of Lancashire’s bowling lineup at the age of 43. He was recently named the Red Rose County’s red-ball captain for the 2026 season. 

With his five-wicket haul against Northamptonshire, Anderson has now taken a staggering 1,148 wickets in First-Class cricket over 305 matches. One of the standout moments from Saturday was when he dismissed opener Ricardo Vasconcelos. Bowling around the wicket to the left-handed batsman, Anderson delivered a well-pitched ball that nipped back, sneaking through the gap between bat and pad to send the stumps flying. 

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Despite being in his 40s, Anderson continues to pose a significant threat in First-Class cricket. Last season, he took 17 wickets in just six County Championship matches, boasting an average of 25.94 and an economy rate of under three. 

Now, at 43, he’s back at the helm of the team he first debuted with in 2001. The legendary fast bowler is eager to lead Lancashire back to Division One of the County Championship this season. 

Anderson wrapped up his international career in 2024, playing his final Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground against the West Indies. He finished his remarkable Test journey with a total of 704 wickets from 188 games, holding the record for the most Test wickets by a fast bowler.