Image: James Anderson returns to T20 cricket after an 11-year gap by signing for Lancashire / © Sky Sports
With a total of 704 wickets in the Test format and after retiring from international cricket in 2024, legendary England pacer James Anderson is set to make a highly anticipated return to T20 cricket. Anderson, 42, has signed a one-year contract with Lancashire to play in the County Championship and T20 Blast. Despite his retirement from international cricket, Anderson is eager to continue competing at the domestic level and contribute to his team in both red and white-ball formats.
Anderson, who retired as England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Tests, has remained active in the cricketing world, taking on a coaching role with the England team. He has been focusing on maintaining his fitness and regularly bowling, preparing for his return to competitive cricket in April 2025. He said:
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. I have been working hard on keeping my fitness levels high and continuing to bowl regularly during my time as a coach with England throughout the winter, with the aim of being able to hit the ground running when the county season starts in April. I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford and to have the chance to walk out and bowl in front of our Members and supporters again this summer is going to be really special.
Being a young gun who debuted for Lancashire in 2001, James Anderson is excited to return to the Emirates Old Trafford and play in front of the club’s fans. Anderson’s return to county cricket highlights his ongoing passion for the game, with a clear focus on helping Lancashire achieve success in the upcoming season.