England legend James Anderson eyeing shock return to white-ball cricket
Anderson took 704 wickets in 188 matches, making him the most prolific fast bowler in Test history
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former England fast bowler James Anderson could be set to return to white-ball cricket after saying he feels he is still “good enough to play”.
The 42-year-old called time on his England career in July, his last match being England’s win against the West Indies at Lord’s, where he took four wickets.
After he moved into coaching and mentoring with England, many people felt that signalled the end for Anderson, who is the most prolific fast bowler in Test history, but he believes he can still play at the highest level.
“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 the Press Association.
“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.
“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.
“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. 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.”
Anderson’s last 20-over match was in 2014 as he dedicated the past 10 years to Test match cricket, in a bid to extend his career, yet ironically he could now be set to return to it, in a bid to extend his career once again.
Whatever the future does hold on the pitch for Anderson, off it England captain Ben Stokes knows his experience is vital in helping his squad get the upper hand on opponents, and with an Ashes tour on the horizon he has already floated the idea of Anderson travelling to Australia in 2025 as part of the coaching staff.
“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.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments