Anderson Awarded Benefit

Anderson Awarded Benefit Lancashire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that James Anderson has been awarded a Benefit in 2012.

The swing bowler made his debut for Lancashire in 2002 and claimed 50 wickets in his first season in county cricket, taking nine in a County Championship win over Somerset at Blackpool.

The following year, James became the youngest player to take a hat trick for the Red Rose, just a week before his Test match debut against Zimbabwe.

He has featured in 61 Tests for England, taking 231 wickets at an average of 30.65 which includes 11 five-wicket innings and one ten-wicket match. In One Day Internationals for his country his has claimed 199 wickets at an average of 30.87 from 147 matches.

In first class matches for Lancashire, James has 209 wickets at an average of 24.36.

LCCC Chairman Michael Cairns said: “For club and country James has excelled and has emerged into one of the finest bowlers of his generation. Lancashire County Cricket Club is delighted to be officially recognising James’s great service by rewarding him with a hugely deserved Benefit Year in 2012.”

Cricket Director Mike Watkinson said: “James is a great inspiration to all young cricketers. His journey has taken him from Burnley Cricket Club, through the county development programmes, to become one of the leading bowlers in world cricket. This has taken a considerable amount of effort and commitment and he always gives his all when appearing for Lancashire or his country. I am delighted that his contributions have been rewarded with a benefit year in 2012.”

James added: “To be awarded a benefit by your county is an immense honour and I am naturally delighted. It is a privilege to represent Lancashire County Cricket Club and I am grateful that they have awarded me a benefit for 2012.”