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England great James Anderson is set to take on a new leadership role next summer after being appointed a full-time captain by Lancashire for the 2026 County Championship.
The 43-year-old pacer, who turns 44 during the season, takes over the four-day captaincy following Keaton Jennings’ resignation last year.
Anderson had already stepped in as interim skipper on two occasions during Lancashire’s 2025 campaign and will now lead the side permanently in red-ball cricket.
Despite calling time on his illustrious Test career in July 2024, finishing as England’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 704 Test scalps, Anderson has shown no intention of slowing down at the county level.
The fast bowler, who began his Lancashire journey as a teenager in 2002, remains an integral part of the squad and claimed 17 first-class wickets at an average of 25.94 in six Championship appearances last season.
Jennings will continue to lead Lancashire in the Vitality Blast, a format in which Anderson enjoyed an outstanding 2025 campaign, taking 20 wickets at 16.10 as the club reached Finals Day.
Josh Bohannon will remain vice-captain, a role he has held since 2024.
“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,” James Anderson said.
“We’ve got a fantastic group of players, with a great blend of youth and experience. Promotion back to Division One is our number one priority.”
Lancashire’s appointment comes after a turbulent Championship season in 2025, which resulted in major changes behind the scenes.
Head coach Dale Benkenstein departed following the club’s failure to mount a serious promotion push, with former Lancashire all-rounder Steven Croft stepping in as head coach.
Lancashire will begin their County Championship campaign away to Northamptonshire on April 3, before returning to Emirates Old Trafford to face Derbyshire the following week.
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