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Key Points

Returning to T20 cricket after 11 years, England's James Anderson delivered a stellar performance with figures of 3/17. Playing for Lancashire in the T20 Blast, Anderson's skill and precision helped restrict Durham and set up an easy chase for his team. His successful return highlights his enduring talent and opens possibilities for appearances in franchise cricket. Anderson's enthusiasm post-Test retirement suggests he may soon venture into other white-ball formats.

Key Points: James Anderson's Stellar T20 Return After 11 Years

  • James Anderson returns to T20 cricket with best figures
  • Takes 3/17 against Durham in T20 Blast
  • Lancashire chases target with Michael Jones top scoring
  • Anderson signals readiness for franchise cricket
2 min read

England legend James Anderson registers best T20 figures on return to format after 11 years

James Anderson shines with 3/17 as he returns to T20 cricket after 11 years.

"I can still do that. I can still do that. - James Anderson"

Chester-le-Street, June 2

England legendary pacer James Anderson made his return to T20 cricket for the first time in 11 years during the T20 Blast match against Durham for Lancashire on Durham, registering his best figures in the format as a mark of ultimate longevity.

The 42-year-old English pace wonder, who retired from international cricket after last year with 704 Test wickets and over 991 international scalps, is currently signed to his county for a one-year-deal, which makes him available for County Championship and T20 Blast cricket, as per Wisden.

While international cricket limited his county appearances over the years, he made a County Championship appearance last year, picking up 7/35. Having last played ODIs in 2015 and T20I in 2009, Anderson had been focusing on Tests till his retirement last year and took up the job of consultant for bowling of England's men team after that.

Anderson's skill-set remains sharp as ever as he registered 3/17 in four overs at an economy rate of 4.25, his best numbers in the format. He started off by removing Graham Clark (10), skipper Alex Lees (16) and Colin Ackermann (18), reducing Durham to 3/46 in 7.1 overs. James Neesham's 40* in 25 balls, with five fours and a six lifted them to 150/6 in 20 overs.

Lancashire chased down the target easily, with Michael Jones (55 in 39 balls, with three fours and two sixes) and Josh Bohannon (31 in 28 balls, with two fours) posting notable scores. The target was chased down with four wickets to go.

Anderson's previous T20 match before this was in August 2014 against Warwickshire in the T20 Blast final, but went wicketless for 52 runs in four overs as his side lost by four runs. He has played a total of 45 T20Is, picking up 44 wickets at an average of 30.34.

After his Test retirement notable, Anderson had told the Final Word podcast last August as quoted by Wisden, that he was open to playing some franchise cricket.

"There are plenty of things to think about, and I just need to sit down and chat to people about it. I watch the Hundred and see the ball swinging around in the first 20 balls, and I think, 'I can do that. I can still do that."

"I do not know if that is a viable option, to see maybe if I could do a job in white-ball cricket? Franchise cricket is something I have never done," he concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
What a legend! At 42, most bowlers are coaching or commentating, but Anderson is still swinging the ball like a dream. Shows why he's called the King of Swing. Hope he gets a franchise deal - would love to see him in IPL! 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya M.
His longevity is inspiring! Indian bowlers should take notes - Bumrah could learn a thing or two about maintaining fitness and skill over decades. Though I wonder if he'd be effective on Indian pitches where swing is harder to generate 🤔
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Arjun S.
Respect for Anderson but let's be honest - T20 Blast isn't the same as international cricket. Would be interesting to see him against modern T20 batters who attack from ball one. Still, 3/17 at 42 is no joke! 🔥
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Sunita R.
Makes me emotional seeing legends like Anderson still playing! Cricket needs more such stories. Meanwhile, our Indian greats retire completely - why don't we see Sachin or Dravid playing domestic cricket? Different mentality perhaps?
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Vikram J.
Anderson in IPL would be a dream! But franchises might hesitate given his age. Still, his experience could be invaluable for young Indian pacers. Imagine him mentoring Arshdeep or Mukesh Kumar! #AndersonForIPL
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Neha P.
While impressive, this shows England's lack of quality pace options post-Broad. In India, we've moved on from our legends because we have such depth. But hats off to Jimmy - proper champion! 👏

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