Sir James Anderson appointed County Championship captain
Lancashire Cricket is delighted to announce that Sir James Anderson has been appointed as the Club’s full-time County Championship captain ahead of the 2026 season.
Anderson, who fulfilled the role on an interim basis during the 2025 campaign, will now take on the red-ball captaincy permanently after signing a new one-year contract with the Red Rose in November.
The 43-year-old made his Lancashire debut in 2002 and has spent his entire domestic playing career with the Red Rose, retiring from international cricket last year as England’s all-time leading wicket taker.
Anderson passed 300 career appearances in First-Class cricket last summer and will head into the 2026 campaign looking to add to his tally of 1,143 wickets in the format.
Josh Bohannon will continue as vice-captain following his appointment to the role in 2024. Keaton Jennings will also remain as captain for the Vitality Blast.
Sir James Anderson said: “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.
“I’m grateful for the support from Crofty, and from my teammates, and I’m looking forward to leading the side into the new County Championship season in April.”
Men’s Head Coach Steven Croft added: “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.
“He also leads the way with his performances on the field and his commitment and dedication to training and living the right lifestyle sets the perfect standard for the rest of the dressing room.
“With Jimmy as captain and Josh continuing as vice-captain, we have a strong, stable leadership team that will drive our ambitions in the County Championship next season.”
Lancashire Cricket begin their Rothesay County Championship campaign away to Northamptonshire on Friday 3 April, before facing Derbyshire at Emirates Old Trafford the following week.
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