Lancashire: Jimmy Anderson tips Mitch Stanley for England

Jimmy Anderson has tipped Lancashire team-mate and fellow fast bowler Mitch Stanley for England honours.

Although Anderson took an eye-catching 4-18 in Lancashire’s thrilling 29-run win over Derbyshire at Emirates Old Trafford, he singled out Mitchell for praise.

Mitchell, 25, took four wickets overall, including 3-93 in Derbyshire’s first innings, and England’s all-time leading wicket taker feels the seamer has real talent.

Mitchell has played for England Lions and Anderson thinks he has the ability to play Test cricket.

The Lancashire skipper told BBC Radio Lancashire: “He’s fantastic, he’s so exciting to watch.

“I think he’s only played three or four first-class games, which is astonishing to think of what future he’s got.

“He’s someone who I definitely see pushing for England honours in Test cricket. But at the minute, he’s still developing as a bowler, still working out his skills in four-day cricket.

“But he’s got that something really special. He’s got that pace, he’s got a lovely action and I thought he bowled brilliantly throughout the game.

“He’s still working things out and how to bowl in different situations in the game, but all in all, I thought he was fantastic.”

Lancashire skittled Derbyshire out for just 108 to record their first win in their second County Championship game and Anderson says he does not want all their victories to be so nervy.

“When you win games like that when it’s close, it probably feels better than a comfortable win,” he said.

“But obviously you don’t want it to be like that every week. We’ve had two games now at the start of this season, where we’ve really had to battle to get results.

“Last week we came close [against Northants] and now we’ve gone one better, but we’ve had to work.”