Jimmy Anderson Returns to T20 Cricket with Lancashire on a One-Year Contract

Synopsis

England's legendary cricketer Jimmy Anderson has signed a one-year contract with Lancashire, marking his return to T20 cricket ahead of the 2025 season. Having debuted with the club in 2001, Anderson is excited to contribute in both the County Championship and Vitality Blast.

Key Takeaways

Anderson returns to T20 cricket with a one-year deal.
He last played for Lancashire in June 2024.
Excited to contribute to the Red Rose in both formats.
Maintaining fitness through coaching during the winter.
Looking forward to playing at Old Trafford again.

London, Jan 13 (NationPress) England cricket legend Jimmy Anderson is poised to return to T20 cricket after securing a one-year deal to represent Lancashire ahead of the 2025 white-ball season. Anderson, who first played for Lancashire in 2001, has pledged to compete for the Red Rose in both the County Championship and Vitality Blast tournaments this upcoming season.

"Lancashire Cricket is thrilled to announce that James Anderson has signed a one-year contract to continue his playing career with the Club ahead of the 2025 season," the club stated in a press release on Monday.

The 42-year-old cricketer has not participated in a competitive match since his 188th and final Test against the West Indies in July, following his retirement from international cricket as England's all-time leading wicket-taker.

After discussions with the Club, Anderson has committed to the 2025 season, formalizing a season-long deal following the conclusion of his ECB central contract, according to the club's announcement. His last First-Class match for Lancashire was in June, where he achieved figures of 7 for 35 against Nottinghamshire in Southport, and he is set to make his first T20 appearance since 2014 this summer.

Regarding the news, James Anderson remarked: “I am incredibly excited to sign this contract with Lancashire and resume playing professional cricket again next season.

“This Club has been a significant part of my life since my teenage years, so the chance to don the Red Rose again and contribute to both red and white ball cricket is something I eagerly anticipate.

“I have been diligently maintaining my fitness and consistently bowling while coaching England throughout the winter, aiming to hit the ground running when the county season commences in April,” he stated.

“I cherish playing at Old Trafford, and having the opportunity to bowl in front of our Members and supporters again this summer will be truly special,” he added.

Lancashire's Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton expressed his enthusiasm regarding Anderson's decision to play for another year.

“We have maintained open communication with Jimmy since his international retirement, and our stance has been clear from the outset. It is fantastic news for everyone affiliated with the Club that he has opted to continue his playing career with Lancashire.

“From recent conversations, it was evident that his eagerness to return to professional cricket was intensifying, and he was keen to get back on the field. Currently, he is fully committed to the county season across both the County Championship and Vitality Blast this summer, and while we acknowledge he will have other prospects, he has made it clear that playing is his top priority,” he noted.

Anderson, who is England's leading Test wicket-taker, retired from red-ball cricket in July 2024, and had entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction but went unsold.