Anderson Inks One-Year Deal with Lancashire

England’s seasoned bowler, James Anderson, showcased his prowess in T20 cricket with a career-best performance in almost 11 years, securing three wickets against Durham in Chester-le-Street on Sunday.

Anderson joined Lancashire’s playing XI for their T20 Blast match against Durham, marking his first T20 appearance since August 2014.

He made a significant impact with figures of 3/17 in his four overs, bolstering Lancashire’s strong showing in the game. This performance represents his finest bowling stats in the T20 format.

The 42-year-old Anderson, who concluded his Test cricket career last year as the leading fast-bowling wicket-taker globally, committed to a one-year contract with Lancashire this season, encompassing both the County Championship and the T20 Blast.

His appearances for Lancashire had been limited due to international duties, although he participated once in the 2024 County Championship, claiming 7/35.

Anderson’s last T20 International for England was in 2009, and his last ODI was in 2015, shifting his focus to Test cricket during his distinguished international tenure.

Following his retirement from Tests, he has been serving as a consultant for the England men’s team.

Lancashire initiated their 2025 Blast campaign positively with wins against Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire on May 29 and May 31, respectively, despite challenges in the County Championship.

In the match against Durham, Anderson took Mitch Stanley’s place in the team. Opening the bowling, he promptly made his presence felt by dismissing Durham’s openers, Alex Lees and Graham Clark, in his initial spell.

He later returned to take the wicket of Colin Ackermann.

This resurgence contrasts sharply with Anderson’s previous T20 appearance on August 23, 2014, in the Blast final against Warwickshire, where he didn’t take any wickets and conceded 52 runs in his four overs, resulting in Lancashire’s four-run defeat.

To date, Anderson has participated in 44 T20 matches, securing 41 wickets at an average of 32.14 and an economy rate of 8.47 runs per over.

Throughout his career, he has exclusively represented Lancashire domestically and England internationally.