Anderson phone call sealed Singh Dale's Lancs move

Ajeet Singh Dale has revealed that a single telephone conversation with Jimmy Anderson convinced him to leave Gloucestershire and sign a three-year deal with Lancashire.

The 25-year-old fast bowler, who took 40 County Championship wickets in 11 matches for Gloucestershire during the 2025 season, was courted by several counties before committing to the Red Rose. Director of cricket performance Mark Chilton arranged for Singh Dale to speak with Anderson, England’s record 704-Test-wicket bowler and now Lancashire’s permanent captain, and the discussion removed any lingering doubts.

“Jimmy was very honest about what he wants from the group and what he’s planning to do personally,” Singh Dale told BBC Radio Lancashire. “My decision had been made based on that phone call. After that, I was pretty certain and I’m very happy I made that decision and I’m excited for the season now.”

Singh Dale’s durability is already renowned: last summer he averaged 31 overs per Championship match while maintaining sharp pace, and he has claimed 102 first-class wickets in 40 career matches. Lancashire, who finished fourth in Division Two in 2025, believe that extra speed and stamina can help solve their recent struggle to take 20 wickets at Emirates Old Trafford and secure promotion in 2026.

“I know a lot of people look at that as a skill of mine in terms of that I’m able to run in all day, but that’s just a small part of what I bring,” he said. “My consistency and pace is probably what I pride myself more on, being able to deliver over after over, ball after ball, repeatedly over a day in a four-day game. Over the course of a summer, hopefully that can bring match-winning performances and help push my team for first or second spot and get promoted.”

Singh Dale, capped by England Lions last summer, will now link up with Anderson at Old Trafford aiming to turn Lancashire’s promotion ambition into reality.