James Anderson is considering an unexpected return to white-ball cricket following his retirement from England and one final go around the franchise circuit.
Anderson, the most prolific fast bowler in Test history, retired from international cricket in emotional scenes at Lord’s last month and his immediate move into coaching appeared to signal the end of his playing career.
However, the 42-year-old has not officially declared that he has bowled his last bowl and is now contemplating playing in the T20 arena or in the Hundred competition next season.
It will come as something of a surprise for Anderson, who has spent the better part of the last decade as a red-ball specialist, last playing a 20-over match in 2014, but it also suggests he has unfinished business on the field.
“I’m probably in a bit of denial because I know full well I’ll probably never play for England again, but I haven’t made a decision yet about my actual cricket career,” he said. PA News Agency.
“I’ve never played a franchise game before so I’m definitely a bit intrigued by the shorter format. Watching The Hundred this year and seeing the ball swing, I feel like I could do the job there.”
“Once this summer is over I can really think about whether I want to play any sort of cricket again next year. At the moment I’ll think about any kind of cricket. I feel fit enough to play and I’m not giving anything up.”
“I don’t know if people will want me to play that kind of competition so we’ll see. It’s been a while since I’ve played and age will come up as a topic of conversation but I really feel I’m good enough to play that kind of cricket.”
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Tim Southey took five wickets in 20 balls in the Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rocket match at The Hundred.
Anderson was speaking as part of a campaign by the England and Wales Cricket Board to encourage participation in cricket, but the only thing stopping him from extending his days as an active player appears to be the allure of his latest backroom role.
His current coaching position is indefinite, but captain Ben Stokes has already floated the idea of ​​Anderson lending his expertise to the side for next winter’s tour of Australia.
“My love for Test cricket will always remain the same and the Ashes is the biggest event I can be involved in as an England player. If I’m not playing, the next best thing is to help the team from the sidelines,” he said.
“There’s still a long way to go and I need to decide if this is my passion. Stokesey and England also need to decide if I’m the right person for the job. So far so good but you never know.”
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James Anderson discusses his new role in the England coaching staff following his retirement from international cricket this summer.
Whatever Anderson’s next move, his love for the sport remains unwavering, and with the ECB committed to becoming the most inclusive team sport in the country, the former Burnley global star is a persuasive advocate.
“I was lucky to take up cricket as there wasn’t a clear pathway at school. It has had a big impact on my life and who I am and I want to give as many kids as possible that opportunity,” he said.
“I’ve been in a lot of dressing rooms, met a lot of people from different backgrounds and made a lot of friends. The England team is now trying to be role models for the next generation through our play and I’m sure that will continue.”
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