Veteran Pacer Anderson Shines in Championship Clash as Lancashire Seize Control
Nottinghamshire 126 (Slater 64, Anderson 7-35) and 84 for 2 trail Lancashire 353 for 9 dec (Jennings 183, James 4-61) by 143 runs
England’s iconic pacer James Anderson made a resounding statement ahead of his impending Test retirement next week, producing a scintillating seven-wicket haul to spearhead Lancashire’s domination over Nottinghamshire in their Vitality County Championship clash at Southport & Birkdale Cricket Club.
Anderson, who last featured in a competitive match during the fifth Test against India in Dharamsala back in March, returned to the fold with a vengeance, claiming remarkable figures of 7 for 35 that included a devastating opening spell of 6 for 19 in just ten overs. His heroics allowed Lancashire to enforce the follow-on after dismissing Nottinghamshire for a meager 126 in response to their first-innings total of 353 for 9 declared.
The veteran’s masterclass with the ball was a clear indication of his readiness to bid farewell to Test cricket with a flourish in the upcoming Lord’s Test.
Anderson’s exploits, the best individual bowling performance in this season’s County Championship, left Nottinghamshire reeling at 84 for 2 in their second innings, still needing 143 runs to avoid an innings defeat.
Nottinghamshire’s woes were further compounded when Australia’s Nathan Lyon claimed his 800th first-class wicket, dismissing Nottinghamshire captain Haseeb Hameed after the visitors had followed on. With Lancashire’s bowlers maintaining relentless pressure, the visitors will have to display immense resilience on the final day to stave off a crushing defeat.
As the curtain draws on Anderson’s illustrious Test career, his performance in this match serves as a fitting prelude to what is expected to be an emotional farewell at the Home of Cricket next week.
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