Anderson Reflects on T20 Opportunities

Veteran England bowler James Anderson has expressed his regret over not participating more frequently in T20 cricket. At 42, he’s enjoying a surprising return to the format with Lancashire.

After a decade-long absence from T20 matches, Anderson has made an impressive comeback in the Vitality Blast this year.

Across just three games, he has secured seven wickets at an impressive average of 10.14, while maintaining an economy rate of 6.45. His standout performance occurred during his return match against Durham, where he captured 3 for 17 at Chester-le-Street.

In an interview, Anderson acknowledged his past reservations, confessing that he now understands the enjoyment he overlooked in the shorter game format.

“I absolutely loved it — it has been amazing. I’ve only played three games, and my opinion might change quickly over the next few weeks, but I feel like I missed out over the last ten years. It is so much fun. I wouldn’t change anything about my Test career, but it would have been nice to play more T20s,” he stated.

Anderson, who holds the title of England’s leading wicket-taker in both Test and ODI cricket, last participated in a T20 International in 2009 against South Africa.

Despite his reputation as a red-ball specialist, he has welcomed the novel challenges presented by white-ball cricket.

“I was really nervous before my first game back. But just being around the Lancashire lads has been great. It has been nice to get to know the group properly, contribute on and off the field, and hopefully stay fit for the rest of the season,” he added.

Anderson attributed his seamless transition back to T20 cricket to his ongoing commitment to improving his bowling skills.

“I watched a lot of cricket — The Hundred, the Blast, everything. I always had slower balls, but now it’s about sharpening them up again. I have always loved developing new skills throughout my career,” he explained.

Adapting to the format’s specific requirements, especially without his usual slip fielders, was also enlightening.

“All my wickets have been caught either inside the ring or on the boundary,” he remarked with amusement.

“It’s different, but fun. Even edges that would go to slip in Tests just race away for four, so you have to adapt.”

Driven by a desire to prolong his playing career, Anderson registered for the IPL auction and The Hundred draft, but he remained unsold. He is still hoping for a wildcard selection in The Hundred, contingent on his performances in the Blast.

“For now, I’m just enjoying it. There’s so much cricket in a county season — balancing T20s and Championship matches is a challenge at my age, but I absolutely love it,” he concluded.