James Anderson announces return to T20 cricket after 11 years, signs deal with this team
Published - 14 Jan 2025, 12:36 PM | Updated - 14 Jan 2025, 12:37 PM
Legendary England bowler James Anderson is set to make his return to T20 cricket after an 11-year hiatus as he signed a one-year-long contract with Lancashire. The 42-year-old pacer has expressed his desire to continue playing at the domestic level despite retiring from international cricket in mid-2024.
Anderson retired from international cricket as England's all-time leading wicket-taker in Tests, with his final Test against the West Indies at Lord's. He took 704 wickets in 188 Tests at an average of 26.45, including 32 five-wicket hauls. After his retirement, he joined England's coaching staff as a consultant.
Incredibly Excited to Sign This Contract with Lancashire - James Anderson
James Anderson has signed a contract with Lancashire to play in the County Championship and T20 Blast after his ECB central contract expired. The 42-year-old is excited about returning to professional cricket, adding that he looks forward to playing for the club again and helping in red and white-ball cricket.
"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.
This Summer Is Going to Be Really Special - James Anderson
James Anderson said that he has been focusing on maintaining his fitness and regularly bowling during his coaching role with England over the winter. The pacer said that his goal is to be in top form for the start of the county season in April. He called it 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.
"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 Is Currently in Abu Dhabi with England's Fast Bowlers
James Anderson, after going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, is focused on his return to County cricket with Lancashire for the 2025 season. He has hinted at prioritizing his playing role over mentoring English bowlers.
Anderson, who debuted for Lancashire in 2001, will return to the County Championship and Vitality Blast competitions. Lancashire will start their Division Two campaign on April 4 against Middlesex at Lord's, the venue where Anderson played his final Test.
Anderson is in Abu Dhabi with England's fast bowlers as they prepare for their white-ball tour to India. On his Tailenders podcast, he confirmed that he will be part of England's coaching staff for the Champions Trophy 2025. However, his position as a bowling coach for the summer remains uncertain.
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