James Anderson continued his exceptional start to the 2026 County Championship, claiming 4-18 to spearhead Lancashire’s defence of 137 against Derbyshire.
Anderson claimed five-for in his side’s opening game against Kent, which they finished one wicket from victory. This time, in unlikely circumstances, he roused the Red Rose to a famous win.
After securing a narrow first-innings lead, Derbyshire had looked to be on their way to victory thanks to their own veteran seamer, Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas, one of three bowlers to claim three wickets as Lancashire were bowled out for 160. Requiring 138 to win, Derbyshire wobbled early, slipping to 39-3, but doubled their score without further loss to move within 60 runs of victory. Tom Bailey opened the door by nicking off Derbyshire captain Harry Came for 30, and thereafter it was the Anderson show. He claimed two wickets in an over, followed not long after by two wickets in four balls, and then completed the final dismissal via a run out to seal a 29-run victory.
Anderson was named Lancashire captain midway through last season after the club sunk to the bottom of Division Two. He oversaw an upswing in results, the club winning three of their last six games in 2025, and they now sit second in the second tier, one of three unbeaten sides in the Division.
Match 12, Lancashire vs Derbyshire
vs
- Ball by ball Over
With 14 wickets in two games, Anderson is the leading wicket-taker in the County Championship season so far. Sussex’s Henry Crocombe in Division One and Northants’ Harry Conway in Division Two are tied for second on 13 wickets apiece.
Anderson, Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers, was controversially retired by the England team management at the start of the 2024 summer. He soon recommitted himself to county cricket, making a T20 comeback after a decade-long absence and earning a contract in The Hundred in 2025. He will turn 44 years old during the 2026 season but shows no sign of slowing down just yet.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
