England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson (also known as Jimmy Anderson) plans to revive his T20 career by signing a new one-year contract with Lancashire to play County cricket and T20 blast.
The former English cricketer who retired from international cricket hasn’t featured in any professional match since his farewell test against the West Indies in July 2024 at the Lord’s. He retired as the all-time leading wicket-taker in tests for England, with 704 wickets in 188 tests (350 innings), averaging at 26.45, including 32-five wicket hauls. Also, he ranks third in the overall list after former spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) and Shane Warne (708 wickets).
After his retirement, he joined the England men’s national cricket team coaching staff and continued with his role as a bowling consultant till the recently concluded 3-match test series against New Zealand in December 2024.
Having made his last T20 appearance in 2014 for Lancashire in the T20 Blast final, Anderson had high hopes of returning to the 20-over format after 11 years. He entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction with a base price of INR 1 crore. However, the 42-year-old went unsold as none of the franchises were ready to secure his services in the bidding event.
Jimmy Anderson Excited to Sign Latest Contract with Lancashire
After his central contract with ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) expired, Jimmy Anderson signed a new deal with Lancashire and feels excited to play for the club in the County Championship and T20 Blast:
“Yeah! I feel enormously joyful to renew this contract with Lancashire and continue my professional cricket back in the next season. Since I was a teenager, this club has been a core part of my life. Once again I have the chance to wear the Red Rose and contribute my best efforts to the team in both red and white ball cricket, which I am eagerly waiting for,” the ex-pacer said in a press conference.
Lancashire’s Director About James Anderson’s Return to T20 Blast After 11 Years
Mark Chilton— The Director of Cricket Performance for Lancashire, voiced his thoughts about Anderson’s comeback, saying that the experienced fast bowler has shown his dedication to start cricket professionally by taking part in the Vitality Blast and the County Season:
“Absolutely! After a recent discussion with Jimmy, it is understood that his desire is strong enough to restart his professional cricket, with his enthusiasm enhancing day by day. Moreover, he was just keen to get back on to the field. As it happens, he is fully dedicated to the County season for both the County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast this summer. Although he will have other opportunities to flourish, he is clear with his stance that playing cricket is his first preference,” Chilton said.
Back in 2014, Anderson appeared in the Natwest T20 Blast final against Warwickshire. He ended up being wicketless in that match, conceding 52 runs in 4 overs. Throughout his T20 career, the right-arm pacer bagged 41 wickets in 44 matches at an average of 32.14, including his best bowling figures of 3-23.
Final Thoughts:
At the age of 42, James Anderson has been focusing on maintaining his fitness levels and bowling regularly during his coaching stint with England throughout the winter. The main goal of the pacer is to remain in peak form right from the commencement of the county season in April 2025.
The renowned pacer will start the Division Two campaign for Lancashire on April 4 against Middlesex. Interestingly, he resumed his professional cricket career at the Lord’s, the same venue where he played his last Test.
Regardless of going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, the top wicket-taking pace bowler in tests has shifted his focus towards County Championship and Vitality Blast competitions.
Currently, Anderson is working with the England pacers in Abu Dhabi for the forthcoming white-ball tour to India, kickstarting from January 22 onwards.
