James Anderson is reportedly in talks with Lancashire for a potential return in the 2025 County Championship season. The legendary pacer could make his professional comeback in Division Two, extending his career beyond his 43rd birthday.
Anderson played his final Test for England against West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024, ending a 21-year international career with 704 Test wickets at an average of 26.45. Since then, he has served as England’s Test bowling coach and maintained his fitness through regular training sessions. He even entered the IPL 2024 auction, but went unsold.
According to The Telegraph, Anderson is ready to sign with Lancashire for at least one more season. The club, which first signed him as a teenager in 2002, was relegated to Division Two last season. Despite limited appearances, Anderson impressed with a match-winning performance of 7 for 35 against Nottinghamshire at Southport in June 2024.
Anderson is expected to be available from the start of the 2025 season, including Lancashire’s opener against Middlesex at Lord’s from April 4 to 7. He could feature in five County matches before England’s Test summer begins with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May.
Lancashire’s first home game is against Northamptonshire at Old Trafford, starting on April 11. Anderson may also play white-ball cricket, though his last T20 appearance was in 2014, during Lancashire’s T20 Blast final defeat.
With Anderson no longer on a central contract, Lancashire would need to cover his wages. His comeback would also need to fit around his media commitments and coaching duties with England.
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