A head and shoulders image of James Anderson, wearing a Lancashire capImage source, Getty Images
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James Anderson first played for Lancashire in 2001

ByStephan ShemiltCricket Correspondent

James Anderson has expressed sadness at being released by Lancashire, but stopped short of confirming the end of his legendary playing career.

Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, was informed by Lancashire last Monday that he will not be offered a new contract by the county he first represented in 2001.

In his first public comments since then, the 44-year-old wrote on Instagram: "If it was up to me it wouldn't have ended like this, but I wish the players and fans all the best for the future."