James Anderson focusing on Lancashire after England omission

"Whether I play for England this year or not, it's a great opportunity to go back to Lancashire and play for them," Anderson told the No Passion, No Point podcast

James Anderson is targeting a County Championship with Lancashire after being left out of England's Test tour of the Caribbean.

Anderson and his long-time sparring partner Stuart Broad were shock omissions from the 17-man travelling party for the three-match series against West Indies, with the selection decision sparking immense criticism from supporters and pundits alike.

The 39-year-old - England's record wicket-taker in Test cricket - has certainly not given up on the idea of representing his country again, and interim managing director of cricket Andrew Strauss has publicly stated the door remains open.

^{James Anderson has turned his attention to the County Championship}

However, Anderson is focusing on other areas of his game with the new domestic season less than three weeks away. 

"Whether I play for England this year or not, it's a great opportunity to go back to Lancashire and play for them," he told the No Passion, No Point podcast.

"I've had a central contract for 15 years or so now so I've not played a huge amount for them. So, actually giving something back to them would be nice and trying to help them win a Championship title.

"I've got hunger and passion to play for Lancashire and hopefully that will take me on to England later in the summer"

"I don't want to look too far ahead still, I'm thinking about the start of the season in April and at the minute I've got hunger and passion to play for Lancashire and hopefully that will take me on to England later in the summer."

Anderson's availability for Lancashire will be determined by the England management, given he remains centrally contracted by the ECB.

The Red Rose county have six County Championship fixtures before England's first Test of the summer, against New Zealand at Lord's from June 2. 

^{Anderson was left out of England's squad for the Test tour of the Caribbean}

Three of those games are scheduled to take place at Old Trafford, where an end is named after Anderson. Supporters will be hoping to see plenty of one of their most famous sons in April and May.

As for an international comeback, Anderson remains hopeful.

"As long as I feel I can compete at the top level, then I want to do that," he said.

"When that isn't the case, then I'll have to make a decision on what I do."