• County Cricket

Anderson signs new contract

ESPN staff
September 13, 2012
James Anderson is a central figure for England, but still of value to Lancashire © Getty Images
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England seamer James Anderson has committed his future to Lancashire by signing a two-year contract.

Anderson has spent his entire career on the Red Rose county's books, signing his first deal in 2002, and this latest contract will take him well into his 30s.

His appearances for Lancashire have been limited on account of his international commitments, but coach Mike Watkinson feels he is a tremendous role model for those coming through the ranks.

"Jimmy's somebody who's centrally contracted and we don't see much of him, but he's still very much one of our own," Watkinson told Lancashire's official website.

"I've got great memories going back to when I was second team coach and he came out of Burnley's second team and played a game at Middleton. We were working on swing bowling with him and trying to fine tune one of his skills. He's gone on to be an outstanding cricketer in the world. It's good that he's still going to keep that connection with us in the future.

"Jimmy is one of those players who just loves playing for Lancashire. He was really keen to play in this last game of the season (against Surrey at Liverpool). As it is, he's not really been needed.

"He gives a wholehearted performance when he's around, he trains hard when he's with us, he trains to a real intensity. It's a great example for the other players who are around. When the youngsters - the academy and the scholarship players - are nearby, they see the influence he has and how he goes about his business."

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