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Jimmy Anderson Signs 12-Month Contract with Lancashire to Resume Playing Career

January, 14, 2025-03:34

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Jimmy Anderson Signs 12-Month Contract with Lancashire to Resume Playing Career

Jimmy Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, has confirmed that he will return to professional cricket with Lancashire this year, signing a 12-month contract with his boyhood club. The 43-year-old fast bowler, who retired from Test cricket after his 188th appearance against the West Indies in July, will now play in both County Championship and Twenty20 formats for Lancashire, marking his return to the shorter format of the game for the first time in 11 years.

Having taken on a mentoring role with England, Anderson resisted the opportunity to play for Lancashire at the end of the 2024 season. However, after his ECB central contract expired, he has decided to commit fully to the county season, which begins in April.

"This club has played a huge part in my life since I was a teenager, so to have the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help the side in both red and white ball cricket is one that I am really looking forward to," Anderson said. He also noted that he has been working hard on maintaining his fitness and regularly bowling during his time as England's bowling coach.

Anderson, who has an impressive 704 Test wickets to his name, is eager to return to playing at Emirates Old Trafford, saying, "I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford, and to have the chance to walk out and bowl in front of our members and supporters again this summer is going to be really special."

Lancashire's Director of Cricket Performance, Mark Chilton, emphasized Anderson's strong desire to return to playing professional cricket. "It became clear that his desire to resume playing was strengthening every day, and he was just desperate to get back out on the park," Chilton said.

Anderson's return to the county will see him participate in the County Championship and the Vitality Blast this summer. His presence will be a significant boost for Lancashire, offering invaluable experience to the squad. "To be able to share a dressing room with England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, and one of cricket’s greatest players, is incredible for our squad," Chilton added.