S Poddar
Daniel Gidney, the chief executive of the county believes that James Anderson could still return to play for the Lancashire team next season. Anderson last featured for his county in July when, on this occasion, he claimed seven wickets in a rain-affected draw against Nottinghamshire.
Coming off that inspired performance, the 42-year-old was instrumental in England’s victory in that Test against the West Indies at Lord’s. The four wickets he took in that Test were also the last for international cricket as he moved into the role of an ECB bowling coach. Yet many inside the game believe Anderson has much to contribute on the field as a bowler and as a leader.
Gidney says he has never had any doubts about Anderson declaring: “He has always loved playing for Lancashire and has a strong desire to continue. While he’s currently deciding on his future, whether it’s on or off the field, the club will stand behind him completely. He has earned that right.” County director of cricket Mark Chilton comes across in regular contact with the man himself and remains open to the possibility of his return.
Meanwhile, Gidney, in an exclusive interview with ESPNcricinfo, looked forward to Lancashire returning to Division One after relegation this season, believing Mark Chilton and Dale Benkenstein, the director of cricket and head coach, respectively, were the right men for the job.
The club has promised to invest in overseas talent for the coming season, anticipating mixed results from imports that they will derive just like previously.
Gidney believes that promotion was a seriously considered issue, “There’s no hiding place. Returning to Division One is our primary goal.”
