James Anderson to Lead Lancashire as Captain in 2026 County Championship Season

Lancashire County Cricket Club announced on December 12, 2025, that Sir James Anderson, England's legendary pace bowler, has been appointed as full-time captain for the 2026 County Championship season. At 43, Anderson—knighted following his international retirement in 2024—will lead the red-ball side in Division Two after a successful interim stint in 2025, where he guided the team to two wins, two draws, and one defeat in five matches. The appointment follows his one-year contract extension signed in November, extending a Lancashire career that began with his first-class debut in 2002. Josh Bohannon retains his role as vice-captain, while Keaton Jennings continues to skipper the T20 Blast.

Anderson expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Captaining Lancashire for the first time last season was a huge privilege, and I'm honoured to take on the role full-time heading into the new season. We've got a fantastic group of players, a great blend of youth and experience, and I'm excited about what we can achieve together, with promotion back to Division One our number one priority." The club's new permanent head coach, Steven Croft—a former teammate—praised Anderson's leadership: "Jimmy is an outstanding leader whose influence on the squad is immense. His experience in cricket is second to none, and the way he stepped into the captaincy during the second half of last season showed exactly why he's the right person for the job.

The decision comes after a challenging 2025 for Lancashire, marked by mid-season coaching changes and relegation from Division One. Anderson's interim captaincy helped stabilise the side amid those disruptions. Holder of 704 Test wickets—the most by any pace bowler in history—and 1,143 first-class dismissals across over 300 appearances, Anderson brings unparalleled expertise to the role as the team targets immediate promotion.

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Anderson's debut as permanent captain will be away against Northamptonshire on April 3, 2026, at Emirates Old Trafford's traditional home ground. This milestone extends the 43-year-old's remarkable longevity in the sport, transitioning from international icon to county mentor in a bid to restore Lancashire's top-flight status.

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