In a significant development, veteran bowler James Anderson is set to make his comeback in professional cricket in Division Two of the County Championship next season. James Anderson is in talks with Lancashire about extending his career for another season, which could be his 24th year with the club.
Anderson stepped away from international cricket last English summer. However, he hasn’t played a competitive match since his farewell Test but has continued to stay involved in the sport as a bowling consultant for the England team. He also worked with the team during tours to Pakistan and New Zealand.
James Anderson in Discussions with Lancashire for Possible County Cricket Comeback
According to The Telegraph, James Anderson, who debuted for Lancashire in 2002, is poised to commit to one final season with the club. Anderson showcased his skill with impressive figures in his only appearance in 2024. Anderson is expected to return for the 2025 season in all formats including T20s.
“Anderson will attempt to combine playing with his duties as a bowling coach with the England Test team and various media commitments,” the report further claimed.
Anderson’s unexpected retirement from international cricket last year surprised many. His potential return to Lancashire would not only strengthen the team but also bring star power to the domestic competition. Young batsmen across the country would eagerly face one of the greatest fast bowlers in history.
Lancashire’s first home match of the season will be against Northamptonshire at Old Trafford, set to begin on April 11 during the second round of the County Championship.
England’s Next Test Series to Start on May 22 Against Zimbabwe
The right-arm pace bowler has had a distinguished career, including helping the county win the 2011 County Championship. He is set to return with a match against Middlesex at Lord’s from April 4-7. Anderson could play five matches before the Test summer, including a one-off match against Zimbabwe in May.
England’s next Test series will begin on May 22 against Zimbabwe, with a four-day Test at home. Following that, they will host India for a five-match Test series starting on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The remaining matches will be held at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Emirates Old Trafford, and the Kennington Oval.
James Anderson’s Remarkable Test Career Concluded with His 188th
James Anderson’s remarkable Test career concluded with his 188th and final match against West Indies at Lord’s last summer. He took 704 wickets at an average of 26.45, including 32 five-wicket hauls.
He briefly considered franchise cricket and entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction in November, but went unsold. Anderson hasn’t played white-ball cricket since 2019, and his last T20 appearance was in 2014.
While no formal arrangement is in place for his return to the England team next summer, he has been collaborating with the England and Wales Cricket Board this winter.
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