James Anderson to play County Championship and Vitality Blast for Lancashire

Former England international James Anderson on Monday signed a one-year contract with Lancashire to play in the County Championship, the premier English First-Class tournament, and the Vitalty T20 Blast during the 2025 season.

“I am incredibly excited to sign this contract with Lancashire and resume playing professional cricket again next season. 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 in a statement released by Lancashire.

“I have been working hard on keeping my fitness levels high and continuing to bowl regularly during my time as a coach with England throughout the winter, with the aim of being able to hit the ground running when the county season starts in April.

“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,” Anderson added in the statement.

Anderson made his First-Class debut for Lancashire in 2001 and his last appearance for the side came in June last year when he took 7 for 35 against Nottinghamshire in Southport. The 42-year-old last played a T20 almost 11 years back in 2014.

The right-arm pacer retired from international cricket in July 2024 against West Indies, ending as England highest wicket-taker in Tests with 704 wickets in 188 matches. Anderson played just 19 T20Is and has 19 wickets to his credit at an economy of under eight.