Michael Atherton believes Lancashire acted properly in how they communicated James Anderson’s departure, even though he would have considered keeping the veteran seamer for another season. The former England captain weighed in on the Anderson Lancashire release during the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, where co-host Nasser Hussain had raised questions about the county’s approach.
Anderson, 44, learned in a face-to-face meeting that Lancashire would not offer him a new contract. New director of cricket Paul Farbrace is reshaping the bowling attack, and the club decided to move in a different direction despite Anderson’s productivity.
Anderson's 2026 form made case for extension
The numbers supported a different outcome. Anderson claimed 50 wickets at 17.68 in the County Championship, comfortably Lancashire’s leading bowler. The county finished second from bottom in Division Two while Anderson captained the side.
Atherton separated the decision itself from the way it was delivered. He argued that performance, not age, should drive selection, and by that measure Anderson had made a strong case to continue leading the attack.
“Forget age, young or old, if you are good enough, you are good enough,” Atherton said. “I might have tried to get a season out of him next year.”
That view puts Atherton at odds with Lancashire’s direction but not with their conduct. He noted that both Lancashire and England, when they moved on from Anderson in 2024, told him directly rather than letting the news leak or arrive indirectly.
Face-to-face meetings and accountability
Anderson’s England career ended against his wishes in July 2024, with his final Test at Lord’s against West Indies. Atherton said the England decision was correct at that point, while still believing Lancashire could have extracted one more year from him.
He rejected the suggestion that either exit was badly managed. Anderson was informed in person, given the reasoning, and Farbrace later addressed members even though he was abroad at the time, dialling in rather than avoiding scrutiny.
“He took full accountability for it,” Atherton said of Farbrace. “So I don’t think you can say it’s been handled badly.”
The comments follow public criticism from Stuart Broad, who described Lancashire’s decision as disrespectful. Anderson himself said he was sad and shocked by the news.
Playing future remains open
Anderson has not ruled out continuing his county career. Speaking on the BBC’s Tailenders podcast, he said he had not decided whether to extend his playing days. He dismissed the idea of joining Yorkshire, Lancashire’s fierce rivals, saying he “wouldn’t have thought so.”
He is set to appear in the Italia T10 League in Rome this month and has been named a co-owner of the Napoli Knights.
If he does continue in county cricket, several options exist. Durham, promoted to Division One, are close geographically but already well stocked with seamers, particularly if England continue to overlook Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse. Leicestershire, Worcestershire and Derbyshire are also within reasonable distance of Manchester and could offer a mentoring role while pushing for promotion from Division Two.
Division One clubs were initially linked with Anderson after his release. Nottinghamshire may have room in their attack with Josh Tongue now an England regular. Somerset, chasing a first County Championship title, could pair him with Craig Overton. Warwickshire, the 2026 champions, could offer a partnership with former England colleague Chris Woakes and Ethan Bamber, who took 69 wickets at under 20 last season and may be pushing for international recognition.
Middlesex would represent a sentimental finish at Lord’s, where Anderson took 123 wickets in 29 Tests, including seven five-fors. His England career ended there under enforced circumstances. Whether his domestic one ends at the same ground on his own terms remains to be seen.
