In a significant development, veteran bowler James Anderson is set to return to professional cricket in the second division of the County Championship next season. James Anderson is in talks with Lancashire to extend his career for another season, which could be his 24th year at the club.
Anderson stepped away from international cricket last summer in England. However, he has not played a single competitive match since his farewell Test, but has continued to be involved in the sport as a bowling consultant to the England team. He also worked with the team during the tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.
James Anderson in talks with Lancashire over possible return to county cricket
According to The Telegraph, James Anderson, who made his debut for Lancashire in 2002, is ready to commit to one final season with the club. Anderson showcased his skill with impressive figures in his only appearance in 2024. Anderson is expected to return in the 2025 season in all formats including T20.
“Anderson will try to combine playing with his duties as bowling coach of the England Test team and various media commitments,” the report further claimed.
Anderson’s unexpected retirement from international cricket last year surprised many. His potential return to Lancashire would not only strengthen the squad but also bring star power to the domestic competition. Young batsmen across the country would be eager to face one of the best fast bowlers in history.
Lancashire’s first home game of the season will be against Northamptonshire at Old Trafford, starting on April 11 during the second round of the County Championship.
England’s next Test series begins on May 22 against Zimbabwe
The right-arm bowler had a distinguished career, including helping the county win the county championship in 2011. He is due to return against Middlesex at Lord’s from April 4-7. Anderson could play five matches before the Test summer, including a one-off against Zimbabwe in May.
England’s next Test series will begin on May 22 against Zimbabwe, a four-day Test at home. After that, they will host India in a five-match Test series starting on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The remaining matches will be played at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Emirates Old Trafford and Kennington Oval.
James Anderson’s remarkable Test career ended with his 188
James Anderson’s remarkable Test career concluded with his 188th and final match against the West Indies at Lord’s last summer. He took 704 wickets at an average of 26.45, including 32 five-wicket hauls.
He briefly considered a cricket franchise and applied for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auction in November, but remained unsold. Anderson has not played white ball cricket since 2019 and last played in T20 in 2014.
Although there is no official agreement for him to return to the England squad next summer, he has been working with the England and Wales Cricket Board this winter.
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