Anderson for Lancashire bow

10:21am Wednesday 23rd April 2008

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FAST bowler James Anderson is set to make his county bow for Lancashire in the LV County Championship game against Somerset at Old Trafford, starting today.

Anderson missed the domestic season opener against Surrey at The Oval after being given time off following a hectic winter schedule with England.

Anderson helped Peter Moores' side to a 2-1 series win over New Zealand and returns to the Lancashire side as part of cricket manager Mike Watkinson's 12-man squad.

Former Read seamer Oliver Newby is the unlucky man. Newby had been hoping to shake off a niggle after a decent show at The Oval, where he took 2-112, but won't be fit in time.

Another addition to the squad is leg-spinner Simon Marshall.

Marshall was Lancashire's leading wicket-taker during the club's pre-season tour of the UAE, taking 11 wickets in four matches.

Once again the club has a full complement of batsmen to select from, and both former skipper Mark Chilton and Steven Croft will play for Lancashire in the 2nd XI Championship match against Worcestershire.

Dominic Cork is still unavailable for selection due to a side strain injury picked up during pre-season.

For the visitors, Andy Caddick has failed to recover from back surgery in time for the trip.

The 39-year-old fast bowler's 70 wickets were instrumental in Somerset's successful promotion from Division Two last season, but his troublesome back prevents him from joining the 14-man squad.

With all-rounder Ian Blackwell fresh from a match-winning 86 not out against Hampshire in the Friends Provident Trophy, Somerset's major decision will be whether to retain seamer Ben Phillips, who took three for 47, or choose a second spinner.

Neil Edwards is set to open the batting with Marcus Trescothick, with captain Justin Langer in at number three after electing to play for Somerset ahead of the Jaipur franchise in the Indian Premier League.