Legendary England bowler James Anderson is returning to T20 cricket after 11 years by signing a one-year contract with Lancashire. The 42-year-old fast bowler has said he wants to keep playing domestic cricket, even though he retired from international cricket in mid-2024.
James Anderson Is All Set To Return To Domestic Cricket
It has to be noted that James Anderson retired from international cricket as England’s top Test wicket-taker, playing his final match against the West Indies at Lord’s. He took 704 wickets in 188 Tests, with an average of 26.45, and achieved 32 five-wicket hauls. After retiring, he became a consultant for England’s coaching staff.
James Anderson has signed a deal with Lancashire to play in the County Championship and T20 Blast after his ECB central contract ended. The 42-year-old is excited to return to professional cricket and said he looks forward to playing for the club again and contributing in both red and white-ball formats.
Read More
“I am incredibly excited to sign this contract with Lancashire and resume playing professional cricket again next season,” Anderson said. “This club has played a huge part in my life since I was a teenager, so to have the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help the side in both red and white ball cricket is one that I am really looking forward to.”
Commitment to Fitness and Bowling
James Anderson said that he has been working on staying fit and practicing his bowling while helping coach the England team over the winter. His goal is to be in great shape for the start of the county season in April. He mentioned that it feels special to bowl at Emirates Old Trafford.
“I have been working hard on keeping my fitness levels high and continuing to bowl regularly during my time as a coach with England throughout the winter, with the aim of being able to hit the ground running when the county season starts in April,” Anderson added.
Read More
“I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford and to have the chance to walk out and bowl in front of our Members and supporters again this summer is going to be really special.”
James Anderson, who wasn’t picked in the IPL 2025 auction, is now focused on playing for Lancashire in the 2025 County cricket season. He has hinted that he plans to focus more on playing rather than mentoring young English bowlers.
Anderson, who started playing for Lancashire in 2001, will join the County Championship and Vitality Blast competitions. Lancashire’s Division Two campaign begins on April 4 against Middlesex at Lord’s, where Anderson played his last Test match.
Currently, Anderson is in Abu Dhabi, training with England’s fast bowlers ahead of their white-ball tour of India. On his Tailenders podcast, he confirmed that he will be part of England’s coaching staff for the Champions Trophy 2025, but it’s still unclear if he’ll be a bowling coach for the summer.
ALSO READ: A Simple Guide To Coastal Rowing
