42-year-old James Anderson becomes captain of red-ball team for two games, to lead later this week

A 42-year-old James Anderson is set to don the captaincy hat later this week. In the absence of Australian opener Marcus Harris who is returning home for birth of his child, Anderson will step in as captain for Lancashire's next two games.

Lancashire will take on Kent in their next County Championship Division Two 2025 game, starting June 22. Then, they will go up against Derbyshire at Queen's Park, Chesterfield, starting June 29.

Anderson has been put in charge of Lancashire as they hope for their first win of the season. He will be the third to lead Lancashire this season amidst a winless run. They have suffered two losses whereas five games have ended in a draw. Currently, they are at the bottom of the points table. Earlier this season, Harris was made captain after Keaton Jennings stepped down from the role.

"Jimmy [Anderson] will lead the side and it is exciting for him and us," Lancashire's interim head coach, Steven Croft told the BBC. "He has captained only once and that was in a pre-season tour T20 game in Dubai so it will be nice for Jimmy and nice for the lads.

"He has obviously got a lot to offer on and off the field. It will be a proud moment for him. It is not obviously all on Jimmy but it helps and his presence, particularly as captain, is a massive boost for the rest of the lads."

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Anderson's recent form on return after injury

Anderson has played just one game this season. Against Derbyshire, he claimed five wickets. The game ended in a draw. He was ruled out for six weeks due to a calf injury. This month, Anderson has returned to form with 10 wickets from three games in T20s in the ongoing T20 Blast 2025.

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Big blow for Lancashire

Harris' absence is a big blow for Lancashire. He is the leading run-scorer in County Championship Division T20 2025. From seven games, he has scored 825 runs at an average of 63.46, including three centuries and as many half-centuries.

Anderson chase another milestone

Anderson needs 19 more wickets to become fourth bowler to take 400 wickets for Lancashire in first-class format. From 96 Tests, he has claimed 381 wickets at an average of 45.25.