James Anderson to Extend Career with Lancashire for 2025 Season
England cricket legend James Anderson has confirmed he will continue playing after signing a one-year contract with Lancashire for the 2025 season. The 42-year-old, who retired from international cricket in July following his 188th Test match, remains England’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 704 Test scalps. Anderson is also the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.
Anderson’s Return to County and T20 Cricket
Anderson’s new deal will see him participate in both the County Championship and the T20 Blast, marking his first T20 appearance since 2014. Speaking on the BBC Tailenders podcast, Anderson expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter:
“I’m very excited. While I’m still fit enough and young enough, I want to play.”
Balancing Playing and Coaching
After retiring from international duty, Anderson joined England’s coaching staff as a bowling consultant. He will continue in that role during the Champions Trophy in February and March 2025. However, Anderson emphasized that his focus this summer will be on Lancashire.
“I don’t think it would be fair on Lancashire if I just dipped in and out. It’s only fair that I give it a good crack, and that’ll take precedence over anything else during the summer,” he said.
A Storied Career with Lancashire
Anderson made his first-class debut for Lancashire in 2002 and has since played 95 matches for the county, claiming 376 wickets. Across his overall first-class career, Anderson has taken an extraordinary 1,126 wickets in 298 matches.
“The one thing I’ve known for many months is that I wanted to play cricket. After a few chats with Lancashire and their plans for the year, it just felt like a nice thing to do,” Anderson added.
Lancashire’s 2025 Schedule
Lancashire begins their County Championship Division Two campaign on April 4 against Middlesex at Lord’s. Their T20 Blast season kicks off on May 29 with a home game against Worcestershire. Anderson’s experience and leadership will be crucial as Lancashire aims for success in both formats.
This move marks another chapter in Anderson’s illustrious career, showcasing his enduring passion for the game and his commitment to Lancashire, where his cricketing journey began.
