Former England captain Michael Atherton believes Lancashire handled the release of veteran seam bowler James Anderson correctly, even though he admits he might have offered the fast bowler a one-year contract extension himself.
Handling of Anderson’s Departure
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Atherton addressed criticism regarding how Lancashire managed the end of Anderson’s spell at Old Trafford. Lancashire’s director of cricket, Paul Farbrace, decided against offering a contract extension to the 44-year-old bowler, who first represented the county in first-class cricket in 2002. Farbrace explained that the management wanted to build a bowling unit for the future following a 2026 County Championship season where Lancashire finished second from the bottom in Division Two with Anderson as captain. Despite the club’s poor campaign, Anderson took 50 wickets at an average of 17.68.
Atherton pushed back against claims that the situation was handled poorly by Lancashire or by England, who retired Anderson from international cricket following a final Test against the West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024. He pointed out that in both cases, the leaders involved—Farbrace at Lancashire and managing director Rob Key for England—communicated their decision directly to Anderson face-to-face.
Atherton stated that while the decision surprised Anderson, Farbrace explained his reasoning clearly and took full responsibility during a members’ meeting, calling in remotely while abroad. Because of that open communication, Atherton argued that the release was not handled badly.
While Atherton supported England’s decision to move on in 2024, he argued that Anderson remained Lancashire’s top bowler by a wide margin. Atherton said on the Sky Sports podcast: “I think you can argue about the merits of the decision as he was Lancashire’s best bowler by a country mile last season.” He added: “Forget age, young or old, if you are good enough, you are good enough, so you can make a perfectly good argument he should still be leading that Lancashire attack.”
Future Options for Anderson
Anderson is set to feature in the Italia T10 League in Rome later this month, where he has also been named co-owner of the Napoli Knights. Speaking publicly for the first time since leaving Lancashire on the BBC podcast Tailenders, Anderson explained that he has not yet made up his mind about continuing his county career. When asked if he could consider playing for Lancashire’s traditional rivals Yorkshire, he replied “wouldn’t have thought so”.
If Anderson chooses to remain in domestic cricket, geographic convenience could make nearby clubs such as Leicestershire, Worcestershire, or Derbyshire potential options in Division Two. Durham, who secured promotion to Division One at the end of the 2026 season, could also be a possibility, though their seam attack already includes Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse.
Other top-tier counties have reportedly shown interest in signing the veteran fast bowler. Nottinghamshire could offer a place in their attack alongside Josh Tongue, while Somerset might consider pairing Anderson with Craig Overton. Reigning 2026 champions Warwickshire present another option where Anderson could bowl alongside Chris Woakes and Ethan Bamber, who took 69 wickets at an average under 20 last term. A move to Middlesex could also appeal if Anderson prefers to finish his domestic career at Lord’s, where he took 123 wickets in 29 Tests for England.
