Lancashire were at Chelmsford for the second round of action in Division One, and had collapsed to 188-9 by the time Anderson came to the crease at No.11. Facing up to South Africa spinner Simon Harmer, Anderson blocked out his first two deliveries of the over before unleashing his trademark sweep off his third.

Dropping down to one knee as Harmer bowled wide of the off stump, he managed to slap the ball off the lower half of his bat, in between the close in point and slip fielders, Nick Browne and Alastair Cook respectively. Supremely confident, he didn’t bother his crease in anticipation of runs as he saw the ball race towards the boundary.

Lancashire were bowled out for 207 shortly afterwards, Will Williams the final wicket and Anderson finishing on 9*.

When Essex came out to bat, it took just three balls for Anderson to make his mark. He dismissed Browne caught in the slips off a loose shot to leave Essex 0-1, opening his account for the summer.

Watch: James Anderson nails reverse-sweep for four on County Championship return below

Just Jimmy things 🐐 pic.twitter.com/yeAa0WhRL4

— Daniel (@DanSenior97) April 13, 2023