After 11 years, the evergreen pacer is set to make a return to T20 cricket. Alongside coaching, he will continue playing first-class cricket as well.
Although his international playing career has ended, James Anderson is starting a new chapter. Currently focused on coaching for England, the legendary pacer will not only play first-class cricket for Lancashire next season but is also expected to feature in the T20 Blast, provided all goes as planned.
Rumors of Anderson signing a new contract with Lancashire had been circulating for days. It was already assumed that the most successful pacer in Test history would continue in first-class cricket. Lancashire has now confirmed that the one-season contract includes participation in both the County Championship and T20 cricket.
The last time Anderson played a T20 match was back in 2014 for Lancashire. His last appearance in England colors for a T20 game was even further back, in 2009.
Anderson, who will turn 43 next summer, is thrilled to renew ties with the club where his professional cricket journey began 25 years ago.
“I’m incredibly excited to sign a new contract with Lancashire and have the chance to continue my professional playing career next season. This club has played a massive role in my life since my teenage years. I’m really looking forward to pulling on the club jersey again and contributing in both red-ball and white-ball cricket,” Anderson shared.
Last season, Anderson played just one match for Lancashire in the County Championship. In that game, he took 7 wickets for 35 runs in the first innings. Later in July, he retired from international cricket after the Lord’s Test against the West Indies, finishing his illustrious career with 704 Test wickets.
Soon after retiring, Anderson transitioned into coaching. He joined England’s team as a pace bowling coach, initially for the English summer. However, his role extended to tours of Pakistan and New Zealand as well. Currently, Anderson remains an integral part of England’s coaching staff and is set to work with the team during the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Anderson mentioned that he has been honing his own bowling skills while fulfilling his coaching duties.
“I’ve been working hard to maintain a high level of fitness and regularly bowling during my coaching responsibilities with England. My goal has always been to return to playing when the county season starts in April,” he said.
“I absolutely love playing at Emirates Old Trafford, and getting the chance to step onto the field, bowl, and perform in front of the club’s members and fans will be something truly special,” Anderson added.
