Anderson And Harmison Given Contracts

The board is under severe financial restrictions because of the compensation claims which are likely to follow England's decision not to play their World Cup match in Zimbabwe.

The pair join nine other players, who were all given 12-month contracts which finish on September 30, under England's employment.

Their appearances for Lancashire and Durham respectively will now be only at the approval of England coach Duncan Fletcher.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney explained: "The thinking behind the awarding of these central contracts was two-fold; firstly, to recognise the achievements of our young players in the international arena, and secondly, to enable the Duncan to manage the amount of cricket our players are involved in.

"Both James and Stephen have shown their potential during the winter and I'm sure will go on to have long and successful international careers. For both cricketing and financial reasons, the selectors have only made two additions to the nine players already contracted up to this autumn."

Lancashire seamer Anderson, England's leading wicket-taker during the World Cup with 10 victims, has already enjoyed a good start to the season with a five-wicket haul against Surrey.

"It's great news and I'm really thrilled to have got a contract for the summer," he said.