In an interview with the Final Word Podcast, James Anderson admitted that he would be willing to review his T20 retirement in the aftermath of the involuntary ending of his international career.
Such is the longevity of Anderson’s career the length of time away from the white ball game is staggering. It’s been 5 years since his last One Day appearance for Lancashire, 10 years since his most recent T20 game and nearly 15 years since he played his most recent of his 19 appearances for England in T20 cricket.
Despite the England management deciding that it was time to move on from 42 year old Anderson, the Burnley man is still bowling exceptionally well and his skill with the ball is undeniable.
Anderson has picked up the ball in a competitive fixture since he bowed out at Lord’s in July however he has continued on in the camp as a bowling mentor which he will continue with over the winter. Longer gaps in between games have become more common for Anderson in recent years with England cautiously managing their ageing bowling spearhead - perhaps a gap over winter would not leave him too rusty.
Fitness would certainly not be an issue, the Lancashire man has kept himself in fantastic shape and his bowling speeds have hardly dipped - a testament to his hard work over a long career.
Anderson is still England’s all-time leading ODI wicket taker despite curtailing his career in that format to extend his longevity in Tests. This was a decision that served him well. Some 10 years since that decision was made, Anderson still finds himself one of the best bowlers in the world.
So who would take a punt on him? Or more likely where would he want to play?
From what the man himself seems to be hinting at currently during any discussion about his future is that his coaching duties with England will come first and foremost before playing commitments.
A winter ahead of Pakistan and New Zealand does limit Anderson’s options somewhat towards the end of this year so the beginning of 2025 will be the earliest he would be able to commit to any T20 cricket.
The BBL and the SA20 are the two most high profile tournaments starting in December and January respectively, which has become an arms race for talent since the launch of the South African tournament in 2023.
Traditionally, both tournaments have attracted English talent although the SA20 by-and-large secured the bigger names.
Australia was however the destination for his long-time bowling partner Stuart Broad for the Hobart Hurricanes in 2016/17 admittedly at a time when the tournament was stronger.
A shorter SA20 may appeal to Anderson more considering the breathing space between the New Zealand series in December and the commencement of that tournament on 9th January. However, in a smaller tournament with fewer teams, there may be less opportunity for Anderson to pick up a contract than the larger and longer BBL.
For quick turnarounds, the IL20 (the UAE’s T20 tournament) is under a month between 11th January and 9th February and could be a good reintroduction to high profile T20 cricket.
Into the spring the IPL starts, the pinnacle of the format. Perhaps it is a bit of a stretch to suggest that Anderson and IPL would be a great fit; the demands of the schedule, Anderson untested etc.
So far, the only rumoured interest has come from the MLC where one franchise has been said to be looking into getting Anderson involved. His high profile status could be a huge coup for the competition which finds itself competing for signings with The Hundred.
Whilst his interest in franchise cricket is the news that has caught headlines, it’s still believed that he wishes to continue to make himself available for Lancashire in the County Championship at least sporadically. It can be assumed that he will be available for next year’s T20 Blast campaign too.
Hopefully then we haven’t seen the last of Anderson’s playing career as he embarks in, what could turn out to be, an exciting swansong.
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