Normally one to oppose the Bangers’ IITs, James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler, has had a T20 late-life crisis and returned to the format at 42. The latter was recently seen in action during Lancashire’s last three T20 Blast group stage games, his first appearance in the format since 2014. Even with an 11-year absence from T20 play, Anderson proved that age is only a number when it comes to possessing skill and adaptability on the field.
Anderson has taken just seven wickets in this span of matches. With the ball, his best bowling figures are a stunning 3-17. His recent performances have only been emphasizing just how great he is. More importantly though, it shows that he is still a dangerous driver of the game’s smallest format. He has an economy rate of 6.45 runs per over during the period, making him one of the top 10 bowlers in the competition for that stat too.
Anderson has purposely bowled three overs in the powerplay in each game, a move that flies in the face of cricket’s modern thinking. The first six overs of a T20 game – when fielding restrictions are in place – is the powerplay. Keaton Jennings captains the Lancashire T20 side. He respects Anderson’s talent, echoing that she “did whatever it takes to win, despite the difficult circumstances.”
“It’s amazing to have a player of his caliber in the shortest form of the county game,” Jennings stated. He pointed to the importance of Anderson’s experience, as these batters will try to take advantage of fielding restrictions.
“When you have a guy like that in the dressing room, it’s pretty silly not to pick his brain and his wealth of expertise,” – Keaton Jennings
Anderson’s expertise is invaluable to the team. Jennings commented that even with Anderson missing out on T20 games for almost ten years, he has still been able to remain competitive.
Through some quantum leaps he’s kept pace with the times of T20 cricket without ever facing a delivery, Jennings added.
As England’s leading Test wicket-taker with 704 wickets, Anderson’s foray into T20 cricket adds a unique chapter to his illustrious career. His transition is a testament to the unique versatility and depth that veteran players bring to the game. This is particularly poignant at the moment, with T20 cricket having surged in popularity.
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