Atherton: Lancashire did not handle Anderson release badly

Where could James Anderson end up next after release from boyhood club Lancashire? Sky Sports Cricket pundit Michael Atherton does not believe Old Trafford county handled Andersons exit badly, saying director of cricket Paul Farbrace did not hide behind the decision

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Michael Atherton sees no issue with Lancashire's handling of James Anderson's release from the county - but would have been tempted to hand the veteran seam bowler a new contract.

Anderson, 44, bagged 50 wickets at an average of 17.68 in the County Championship during a 2026 season in which Lancashire finished second bottom of Division Two under his captaincy.

Anderson was informed in a meeting with the Red Rose hierarchy that he would not be offered a new deal at a county he first represented in a first-class match in 2002, with new director of cricket Paul Farbrace wanting to build an attack for the future.

Listen to Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton and guests dissect the game's big talking points.

Source: Sky Sports