The start of the County Championship is always reason for celebration but as the curtain lifted at Lord’s, it revealed an opening-day party without its special guest. Lancashire’s first Division Two fixture of the summer had meant to be a welcome back bash for one of the greatest to ever do it, James Anderson at the top of his mark in county cricket for the first time since his enforced England ending.
It is not clear how long the farewell tour will extend but Anderson will encounter expectant audiences wherever he goes. No bowling musician has ever mastered the Duke’s, the seamer’s instrument of choice, quite like the 42-year-old. Anderson has spoken with the drive and desire of a man who perhaps has a point to prove and notes left to play – and with a Radio 1 DJ encouraging him to play the hits on the popular Tailenders podcast, a few fairer-weather fans would have joined the MCC members hoping to catch a glimpse of England’s leading Test wicket-taker in the flesh.
