Anderson to return for Red Rose
JIMMY Anderson returns for Lancashire today as the Red Rose look to secure back-to-back victories in the Specsavers County Championship.
The England ace has been out with a groin tear he suffered against Yorkshire at Emirates Old Trafford at the end of April.
At the time there were fears he may not be back in time for England’s first Test of the summer against South Africa, which starts on July 6.
But - as reported by M.E.N. Sport last week - Anderson has recovered quickly, and has been named in the side for Lancashire’s Division One clash with Hampshire, which starts today.
Lancashire are also boosted by the return of fellow opener seam bowler Kyle Jarvis, who has been out for a month after breaking his thumb in training.
They are both major additions to the side which inflicted a first defeat on defending champions Middlesex in 21 games last time out with a win at Southport.
They will, however, be missing key batsman Haseeb Hammed - who is on England Lions duty - and Liam Livingstone who is set to make his senior England debut in the T20 series against South Africa this week.
Lancashire are fourth in the table, but could move above third-placed Hampshire with victory this week, with only 18 points separating leaders Essex and fifth placed Surrey.
“We’ve played some good cricket this season,” said batsman Dane Vilas.
“We’re in mid-table, but it’s quite tight from one to five with regards to the points.
“If we have a good result here, we could shoot right up close to the top.
“We’ve come off a good win against Middlesex, who hadn’t lost for a while.
“That was really positive for us. It should be an exciting clash.”