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Anderson could still play for Lancs - Benkenstein

James Anderson walking off the field for LancashireImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

James Anderson has taken 1,122 wickets in first-class cricket

James Anderson has not ruled out continuing to play county cricket after his England retirement, says Lancashire head coach Dale Benkenstein.

England's leading wicket taker of all time will play his 188th and final Test match against the West Indies at Lord's, starting next Wednesday.

The 41-year-old has taken 700 Test wickets, the most by a pace bowler.

"I think the positive thing is that it's not a no [to Anderson returning]. We are not pressuring him. He's been fantastic, he's had an incredible career," Benkenstein told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Lancashire.

"He definitely can still play, it'll just be whether he still has the desire to want to. Bowling is hard work and we will let him make the decision when the time is right."

Anderson, who turns 42 at the end of July, will remain with the England squad throughout the summer in a coaching capacity as a fast-bowling mentor.

"Everyone talks about age but he's in such good physical shape and that zip is there," Benkenstein added.

"You can see the difference between him and the other bowlers - even in the opposition.

"I think that's probably the question mark that everyone has on him getting older but he's still got it. He hasn't bowled for about five months so he looked in great shape."

Anderson took 7-35 in his first appearance of the season for Lancashire on Tuesday - the best figures in the County Championship this season.

Lancashire's next four-day game starts on 22 August at Division One leaders Surrey.