James Anderson, the legendary England pacer and all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, is set to extend his illustrious career by playing for Lancashire in the 2025 season.
The announcement was made on January 13, 2025, when Lancashire Cricket confirmed that Anderson had signed a one-year contract to participate in both the County Championship and the Vitality Blast.
Career Background
Anderson, who turned 43 shortly after the announcement, retired from international cricket in July 2024 after a remarkable career that spanned over two decades.
He concluded his Test journey with an impressive tally of 704 wickets from 188 matches, solidifying his status as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.
His final appearance was against the West Indies at Lord’s, where he took four wickets, contributing to England’s victory by an innings and 114 runs.
Excitement for Return
Expressing his enthusiasm about returning to competitive cricket, Anderson stated, “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 is really special.”
He emphasized that he has been diligently working on his fitness and bowling skills during his time as a coach with the England team, aiming to hit the ground running when the season commences.
Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Performance, Mark Chilton, also shared his excitement about Anderson’s return, highlighting the invaluable experience he brings to the squad.
Anderson’s presence is expected to significantly bolster Lancashire’s performance in both formats of the game.
Upcoming Season Details
Lancashire will kick off their County Championship campaign against Middlesex at Lord’s from April 4-7, 2025. This match marks a significant moment for Anderson as it takes place at the same venue where he played his last international match.
Additionally, Anderson is anticipated to make his first T20 appearance since 2014 during this season, further showcasing his commitment to continue playing at a high level.
Despite entering the IPL 2025 auction and remaining unsold, Anderson remains focused on contributing to Lancashire and possibly mentoring young bowlers within the team setup.
His dual role as a player and coach reflects a balance he aims to maintain throughout the season.
