Jimmy Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket with an impressive 704 dismissals, has announced plans to delay his retirement and will make a return to the field in the 2025 season. At 42 years of age, Anderson has not played a match since his final Test appearance against the West Indies at Lord's last July. He has kept his options open since that 188th Test, and has now decided to continue his cricketing journey with Lancashire, participating in both the County Championship and the T20 Blast.
Anderson will be a significant addition to Lancashire's squad, committing to all 14 of their Division Two matches in the County Championship. His return to white-ball cricket will see him play in the north group of the T20 Blast, marking his first appearance in the format since 2019. Lancashire's director of cricket, Mark Chilton, expressed enthusiasm about Anderson's return, describing him as "an absolute icon of English cricket."
"Jimmy will fit his coaching and England and media commitments around the schedule," Chilton stated.
Although Anderson will be available for all championship games, Chilton clarified that the team would manage his workload carefully.
"We won't be playing him in 14 Championship games, we'll be managing his workload, like we do all our bowlers," he explained.
Anderson's decision to extend his playing career comes after a stint as a bowling coach within the England set-up and an attempt to enter the IPL auction, although no club signed him. Last season, Anderson showcased his exceptional skills by taking 7-35 against Nottinghamshire at Southport in a rare appearance for Lancashire. Currently, he is in Abu Dhabi, working with the England squad ahead of their forthcoming one-day tour of India.
Chilton expressed admiration for Anderson's commitment and fitness.
"He's fit enough, he still looks after himself and his age is just a number," Chilton said. "He can play for as long as he feels capable of doing his job."
Anderson's presence in Lancashire's lineup is akin to securing a top-quality overseas player for a full season, which is typically challenging to achieve.
"But it's like getting a top quality overseas player for a whole season, which is pretty challenging to do," Chilton remarked.
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