England’s all-time leading test wicket-taker, James Anderson, has said watching the 100-ball The Hundred format of the game has made him realise he has the quality and fitness to return to a white-ball version of cricket.
Anderson retired from international cricket after England beat the West Indies at Lord’s in July but the 42-year-old is considering a comeback despite taking up a coaching role with the national team.
“I might be in a bit of denial because I’m well aware I won’t play for England again,” Anderson acknowledged to PA.
“But I’ve still not made a decision on my actual cricket career. There’s definitely a bit of intrigue with the shorter formats because I’ve not played any franchise stuff before.
“Watching The Hundred this year, seeing the ball swing around, it makes me feel like I could do a job there.”
Brilliant from Jimmy Anderson and the whole coaching team ❤️
Watch the full interview 👇
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) JULY 28, 2024
Anderson white-ball cricket
The feared fast bowler has not played in a shorter format since 2014. He finished on 704 wickets in 188 tests but his record in T20 is less formidable, taking 41 wickets in 44 innings and best figures of 3/23.
Indian Premier League teams could be tempted to give Anderson a more prolonged spell in the format as a high-profile signing, while sides in other T20 leagues could also be keen.
With his first Test captain to his right, and his last Test captain to his left…
The entire dressing room stands to celebrate the great Jimmy Anderson 😍 PIC.TWITTER.COM/U8WHZRGSE4
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) JULY 12, 2024
James Anderson ‘quite open’
“Once this summer is done, I can sit down and have a real think if I want to play cricket in some shape or form again next year,” said Anderson.
“I’m quite open at the minute to thoughts of any sort of cricket. I’m still fit enough to play and I’m not shutting myself off to anything.”
“It’s hard to know if there will be any interest from people wanting me to play in that sort of thing so we’ll wait and see.”
England will be hoping to have Anderson on their coaching staff for the 2025 Ashes series in Australia.
