James Anderson: Former England fast bowler 'still fit enough' and considering return to short-format cricket
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Published 13/08/2024 at 21:25 GMT+1
The most prolific fast bowler in Test history, James Anderson, is weighing up a return to short-format cricket. The 42-year-old insisted he is "still fit enough" to extend his playing career a month after announcing his international retirement. Anderson has taken up a mentoring role in the England set-up since bowling his final ball against the West Indies and could travel to Australia in 2025.
Anderson ‘has no regrets’ ahead of retirement from England Test team
Video credit: TNT Sports
James Anderson believes he is “still fit enough” to continue his cricket career a month after announcing his international retirement.
It has been almost 10 years since his last T20 appearance, a loss in the 2014 T20 Blast final for Lancashire, but the 42-year-old is considering a return to a short-form format.
The most prolific fast bowler in Test history bowled his final ball for England in a win over the West Indies in mid-July and then pivoted to a coaching role in the national set-up.
But Anderson refused to confirm that his playing days are past him and floated the idea of making his debut in franchise cricket.
"I might be in a bit of denial because I'm well aware I won't play for England again, but I've still not made a decision on my actual cricket career," Anderson told PA Media.
"There's definitely a bit of intrigue with the shorter formats because I've not played any franchise stuff before.
“Watching the Hundred this year, seeing the ball swing around, it makes me feel like I could do a job there.
"Once this summer is done, I can sit down and have a real think if I want to play cricket in some shape or form again next year.
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“I'm quite open at the minute to thoughts of any sort of cricket. I'm still fit enough to play, and I'm not shutting myself off to anything.
"It's hard to know if there'll be any interest from people wanting me to play in that sort of thing, so we'll wait and see.
“I know it's a while since I played it and my age will get brought up again, but I really feel I'll be good enough to play that form of cricket."
Whether Anderson decides to extend his playing career or not, his current England role as a fast-bowling mentor could be a bridge to formally aiding the side for the next Ashes series in 2025.
Captain Ben Stokes previously said he would like the Lancashire seamer to travel with the squad, and Anderson called the prospect the “next best thing”.
"My love for Test cricket is always going to be there, and the Ashes is the biggest thing you can be involved in as an England player," Anderson added.
“If you're not playing then the next best thing is trying to help the team from the sidelines.
"It's still a long way away, and I still need to see if this is what I'm passionate about.
“Stokesy and England need to decide if I'm the right man for the job too. So far, so good, but you never know."
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