James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler, has hinted at a potential return to competitive cricket after his international retirement. Despite turning 42 recently, Anderson believes he still has the skills and desire to contribute as a bowler.
Following his final Test match at Lord’s, Anderson has been assisting England’s bowlers in a coaching capacity. However, he may consider stepping back from this role during the upcoming tours to Pakistan and New Zealand, opening up his schedule for overseas opportunities.
“I feel there’s something there, that I still want to play a little bit more,” Anderson said. “I’m pretty open to anything at the minute. Things will become clearer as the rest of the year progresses.”
Anderson has not played white-ball cricket since 2019, but he remains England’s all-time leading ODI wicket-taker. He believes he can still be effective in this format, having bowled at England’s batters in the nets recently.
“I don’t know how seriously I’m actually thinking about this myself right now,” Anderson admitted. “But the bowling thing is still a definite option for me, the way my body feels right now, the way my head is.”
Anderson also expressed his desire to give back to Lancashire, the county where he developed as a young bowler. “I’ve played more Tests than I have first-class games for Lancs,” he said. “Whenever I’ve gone back, I’ve tried my very best and loved it.”
Despite his age, Anderson remains confident in his ability to bowl fast and effectively. “There will be a time when I can’t turn my arm over at all and I can’t bowl at 50mph, never mind 80, so while I can do that, I want to keep doing it,” he said.
Anderson’s potential return to competitive cricket would be a remarkable achievement for a player of his age. It would also provide a valuable opportunity for younger bowlers to learn from one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.
