LONDON — James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler, has made a remarkable return to T20 cricket after an 11-year absence, taking seven wickets in three matches for Lancashire in the T20 Blast. His performances have sparked discussions about his adaptability and whether he could still contribute to England’s T20 setup despite being 41 years old.
Anderson last played a T20 match in 2014, but his recent outings for Lancashire have shown that his skills remain sharp. His ability to swing the ball, coupled with his vast experience, has made him a valuable asset in the shortest format. "I’ve always loved the challenge of adapting my game," Anderson said after Lancashire’s win over Derbyshire. "T20 cricket has evolved, but the basics of bowling—hitting your lengths, varying your pace—haven’t changed."
A Surprising but Effective Return
Anderson’s return to T20 cricket was unexpected, given his focus on Test cricket in recent years. However, Lancashire’s injury crisis and his own desire to stay match-fit ahead of England’s summer Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka led to his inclusion. His figures—2/23, 3/19, and 2/28—highlight his effectiveness, even in a format dominated by power-hitting.
Lancashire’s coach, Dale Benkenstein, praised Anderson’s impact: "Jimmy’s professionalism is unmatched. He’s not just here to make up the numbers—he’s here to win games. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death has been crucial for us."
How Anderson Has Adapted
T20 cricket has changed significantly since Anderson last played the format. Higher strike rates, innovative shots, and aggressive batting have become the norm. Yet, Anderson has shown that classical bowling still has a place. Key aspects of his success include:
- Swing and Seam: Anderson’s ability to move the ball both ways has troubled batsmen, even on flat pitches.
- Variations: He has incorporated slower balls and cutters, keeping batsmen guessing.
- Experience: His understanding of when to attack and when to defend has been invaluable.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan noted on BBC Test Match Special: "What’s impressive is how Jimmy has stayed relevant. He’s not trying to be something he’s not—he’s just doing what he does best, but smarter."
The England Question
With the T20 World Cup looming in 2024, Anderson’s performances have led to speculation about a potential England recall. While it seems unlikely given England’s depth in fast bowling, his form has certainly given selectors something to think about. England’s white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, admitted: "You can never rule out someone of Jimmy’s quality. He’s a proven winner."
What’s Next for Anderson?
Anderson’s immediate focus remains on Lancashire’s T20 Blast campaign and preparing for the Test summer. However, his T20 resurgence has added an intriguing subplot to his career. Whether this is a short-term experiment or the start of a late-career T20 revival remains to be seen.
For now, fans and pundits alike are enjoying the spectacle of one of cricket’s greatest bowlers proving that class is permanent. As Anderson himself put it: "I’m just enjoying playing. If I can help Lancashire win games, that’s all that matters."
His performances serve as a reminder that even in a rapidly evolving format, the fundamentals of skill and intelligence still reign supreme. Whether or not this T20 comeback leads to further opportunities, Anderson has already defied expectations—again.