England's top ODI wicket-taker Jimmy Anderson to star in Emirates Airline T20

England’s leading One Day International wicket taker Jimmy Anderson will add firepower to the Lancashire side for the Emirates Airline Twenty20 on March 21 at The Sevens.

Now recovered from a rib injury sustained in the recent Ashes series in Australia, the right arm fast medium bowler will be a major asset for Lancashire Lightning as they battle it out against the MCC, Sussex and the Kerala Premier League X1 for the coveted Emirates Airline Twenty20 trophy.

Known as the ‘Burnley Express’, Anderson arrived on the international scene in 2002/3 and has since represented England in 92 tests and 174 ODIs. He became England’s leading ODI wicket taker in 2013, and his tally currently stands at 245.

He has also amassed 343 test wickets, becoming the fourth England player to pass the 300 mark in 2013. In addition to his bowling prowess, Anderson is also recognised as a great fielder, and has been an integral part of three winning Ashes campaigns. In recognition of his talent and skill, Anderson was named as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year in 2009.

Led by captain Glen Chapple, the Lancashire side will meet the defending champions Sussex in the first semi-final of the Emirates Airline Twenty20, at 10.30am. Sussex will be aiming for a hat trick of trophies, but will have to overcome a determined Lancashire first, and with Anderson returning to form he could provide a major obstacle.

“We are delighted that Jimmy Anderson is back to full fitness and will be joining the Lancashire side for the Emirates Airline Twenty20, and we are looking forward to witnessing his awesome bowling prowess” said Tournament Director, Matthew Jackson.

“The Dubai crowds are certainly in for a treat with this kind of talent on display at The Sevens. With the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan, Monty Panesar and Prasanna Jayawardene lining up for the MCC, and Matt Prior and Michael Yardy in the Sussex side, we will be seeing some world class cricketing action this Friday” he added.

Spectators will also have the opportunity to get the autographs of some of the legends of the game, with Muralitharan, Jayawardene, Panesar, Virender Sehwag, Samit Patel, and Andre Adams all appearing for autograph sessions between 11.30 -12.30, and Sehwag, Matt Prior and Anderson also appearing at 2.30pm.

The second semi-final will be between MCC and the newcomers to the Trophy, the Dubai based Kerala Premier League X1 at 2pm. In a special appearance, Indian movie star Suresh Gopi who has appeared in more than 190 Malayalam films will also be available for autographs at 5pm before the Trophy final commences at 6pm.

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