James Anderson announces his return to T20 cricket after 11 years, signs a contract with the team
Legendary England bowler James Anderson is set to return to T20 cricket after a gap of 11 years as he has signed a one-year deal 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 last 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 retirement, he joined England’s coaching staff as a consultant.
Incredibly excited to sign this deal with Lancashire – James Anderson
James Anderson has signed for Lancashire to play in the County Championship and T20 Blast following the expiry of his central contract with the ECB. The 42-year-old is excited about his return to professional cricket, adding that he is looking forward to playing for the club again and helping out in red and white ball cricket.
“I’m incredibly excited to sign this deal with Lancashire and resume playing professional cricket next season,” said Anderson. “This club has played a big part in my life since I was a teenager, so the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help out the red and white ball cricket team is really exciting.
This summer is going to be really special – James Anderson
James Anderson said he focused on maintaining his fitness and bowling regularly during his role as England coach over the winter. Pacer said that his goal is to be in top shape for the start of the county season in April. He called bowling at Emirates Old Trafford special.
“I worked hard to keep my fitness at a high level and continued to bowl regularly while England coach throughout the winter, with the aim of starting to run when the county season starts in April,” Anderson added.
“I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford and to have the opportunity to go out and bowl in front of our members and fans again this summer will be really special.”
James Anderson is currently in Abu Dhabi with the England 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 that he will prioritize his role as a player over mentoring England’s bowlers.
Anderson, who made his debut for Lancashire in 2001, will return to the County Championship and compete in the Vitality Blast. Lancashire will begin their Division Two campaign on April 4 against Middlesex at Lord’s, the venue where Anderson played his last Test.
Anderson is in Abu Dhabi with the England fast bowlers as they prepare for their white-ball tour to India. He confirmed on his Tailenders podcast that he will be part of England’s coaching staff for the Champions Trophy in 2025. However, his position as bowling coach for the summer remains uncertain.
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