The legendary England fast bowler James Anderson has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Lancashire, putting him on track to resume his T20 career. After playing his final Test match against the West Indies at Lord's in July 2024, Anderson announced his retirement from international cricket. Since then, he has not participated in any professional matches. Soon after his retirement, he became a bowling consultant for England's coaching staff, a position he held until their most recent series against New Zealand.
Anderson signs new deal
Anderson has declared his intention to play in T20 leagues around the world. He even signed up for the IPL 2025 auction with a starting price of Rs 1 crore. At the auction occasion, he was unable to find any bidders. The 42-year-old responded to his recent contract signing by saying he was thrilled to be starting his professional cricket career again. He also discussed his desire to play both red-ball and white-ball cricket for the team.
"I am incredibly excited to sign this contract with Lancashire and resume playing professional cricket again next season. 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," said Anderson in a media release.
Lancashire’s Director on Anderson
Mark Chilton, Lancashire's Director of Cricket Performance, also offered his opinions on Anderson's acquisition, stating that the renowned fast bowler was eager to play cricket professionally again. He added that the seasoned seamer would play for the team in both Vitality Blast and the County season.
"From speaking to Jimmy recently, it became clear that his desire to resume playing professional cricket was strengthening every day and he was just desperate to get back out on the park. As it stands, he is fully committed to the county season across both the County Championship and Vitality Blast this summer, and whilst we all recognise he will have other opportunities, he has made it clear playing is his first priority," said Chilton.
Anderson played in the 2014 T20 Blast final against Warwickshire, which was his final T20 outing. He has taken 41 wickets in 44 games during his T20 career, averaging 32.14, with top statistics of 3/23. After been given the chance to restart his T20 career, Anderson will be keen to make an impression for Lancashire in the forthcoming season in order to attract the interest of numerous T20 teams worldwide and ultimately be given the chance to play in leagues all over the world.