After agreeing to a one-year contract extension with Lancashire, James Anderson will return to professional action and may feature in his first Twenty20 match in over ten years.
After his final Test match against the West Indies in July, Anderson joined England’s backroom staff as a consultant and hasn’t played since. After his ECB central contract expired, he signed a contract with Lancashire to participate in the County Championship and T20 Blast after expressing his wish to continue playing and entering the IPL auction in December, but failing to sell.
“I am incredibly excited to sign this contract with Lancashire and resume playing professional cricket again next season,” James Anderson stated.
“I am greatly looking forward to the chance to don the Red Rose once more and support the team in both red and white ball cricket, since this club has been a significant part of my life since I was a teenager.
“During my time as a coach with England, I have been putting a lot of effort into maintaining my high levels of fitness and bowling frequently over the winter in order to be ready to go when the county season begins in April.
“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.”
A quarter of a century ago, in 2001, Anderson, who will turn 43 this summer, made his Lancashire debut. He only played in one County Championship game in 2024, but after taking 8 for 64 against Nottinghamshire at Southport, he led the team in averages.
Aside from the IPL, he has been connected to playing in other T20 franchise competitions. Since he last participated in the format in the 2014 Blast, he may potentially make a stronger case.
“We have been in open communication with Jimmy since his retirement from international cricket, and our stance has been clear from the beginning,” stated Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket performance. His decision to continue playing for Lancashire is wonderful news for everyone associated with the club.
“After talking to Jimmy recently, it became evident that he was eager to get back on the pitch and that his desire to play professional cricket was growing stronger every day. Although we all understand that he will have other possibilities, he has stated that playing is his top priority and that he is currently totally committed to the county season in both the County Championship and Vitality Blast this summer.
“To be able to share a dressing room with England’s all-time leading wicket taker, and one of cricket’s greatest players, is incredible for our squad and I’ve no doubt that our Members and supporters, and cricket fans around the world, will be equally as thrilled to watch Jimmy in action for Lancashire again next summer.”
India
