Former England bowler James Anderson wants to “hit the ground running” after signing a one-year deal with Lancashire, where he made his debut 24 years ago.
Anderson, who will be 43 in July, has not played since announcing his retirement from international cricket after making his final Test appearance six months ago, signing off with 704 wickets.
“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, having hinted at a return following his appointment as an England bowling consultant.
“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.”
Ready for the next chapter, @jimmy9? 🌹👀 https://t.co/X3cr1RCaYq pic.twitter.com/jNVkc2OXhh
— Lancashire Cricket Men (@lancscricket) January 13, 2025
James Anderson: Cricket comeback ‘special’
A part in Lancashire’s Blast campaign, which begins on May 29, would represent Anderson’s first T20 action since 2014.
Lancashire’s Division Two season starts at Lord’s against Middlesex on April 4, when their ranks could include the veteran with 1,126 wickets in 298 first-class matches to his name.
The 2010 T20 World Cup winner has said he will put club cricket first but remain part of England’s staff for the Champions Trophy in February and March, calling the prospect of playing at Old Trafford again will be “really special”.
⏪🔥 @jimmy9 looking to pick up from where he left off last year…
7/35 in the first innings against Notts at Southport & Birkdale CC.
Fast bowling clinic. 🍿
🌹 #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/OGs7GzqqAt
— Lancashire Cricket Men (@lancscricket) January 13, 2025
Anderson Lancashire deal ‘fantastic’
Director of cricket performance Mark Chilton said Lancashire had been in “open dialogue” with Anderson since his international retirement and made their stance “clear from the start”.
“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,” added Chilton, calling Anderson’s return “fantastic”.
“As it stands, he is fully committed to the county season across both the County Championship and Vitality Blast this summer, and while we all recognise he will have other opportunities, he has made it clear playing is his first priority.
“To be able to share a dressing room with England’s all-time leading wicket taker, and one of cricket’s greatest players, is incredible for our squad and I’ve no doubt that [fans globally] will be equally as thrilled to watch Jimmy in action for Lancashire again next summer.”
Anderson entered the Indian Premier League auction in November but remained unsold.
