England’s greatest ever pacer and arguably the world’s best, James Anderson was seen doing what every budding cricketer has done in early days. In the County Championship Division Two match against Worcestershire, Lancashire captain was seen searching for the ball in the bushes after the ball crossed the boundary on Day 4 of the clash. The commentators were left amused by Anderson’s humility and wondered whether someone else could’ve stepped in and took over the search for the lost ball.
“This is England's greatest-ever bowler. What's he doing here? Come on James! Someone else can do it. Harry Singh is helping out. They have found it. Well done,” the commentators said.
Eventually, the ball was found and the play resumed. The rain-marred encounter at Trafalgar Road Ground, Southport, ended in a draw.
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Anderson takes 4 wickets, makes brave declaration but no result
Earlier, Worcestershire had been bowled out for 270 in 82.4 overs after Anderson won the toss and opted to bowl first. For Worcestershire, opener Daniel Lategan and Matthew Waite scored fifties. Anderson claimed the wickets of Jake Libby and Waite.
In reply, Lancashire declared on 281/8 with a nominal 11-run lead in the bag. Opener Keaton Jennings and Paul Coughlin scored half-centuries.
But, the brave call could not yield a result. Anderson struck twice with the new ball, dismissing Libby and wicketkeeper-batter Gareth Roderick. Tom Hartley got a couple of wickets as well. Worcestershire lost half the side for 114 but captain Brett DOliveira and Wait's unbeaten 97-run partnership stabailised the innings. DOliveira and Waite remained unbeaten on 46 and 47 respectively. The Worcestershire skipper faced as many as 127 deliveries.
Anderson among top wicket-takers again
Retired from international cricket, 43-year-old Anderson is in fine form in the ongoing season. He is the third-highest wicket-taker in the County Championship Division Two 2026. From six games, he has claimed 31 wickets at an average of 16.93, featuring one fifer and three four-fers.
Anderson to play T20s
Currently, Lancashire are placed fourth on the points table with two wins, two losses and two draws. After the T20 Blast break, Anderson will be seen in action in whites again on June 12 when Lancashire go up against Kent. Before that, Anderson will let the white ball do the talking when Surrey face Lancashire at Kennington Oval, London on May 22 in their T20 Blast 2026 opener.