Cricket icon Jimmy Anderson is taking strides towards prolonging his illustrious career by signing up for the Hundred draft. The England legend, who will be 43 when the tournament kicks off in August, is keen to make his debut in the Hundred following the end of his international career last year. Anderson, England’s record wicket-taker, was informed by head coach Brendon McCullum that he was no longer in their plans, ruling him out of the Ashes series in Australia this year. The Lancashire bowler made his final Test appearance against the West Indies at Lord’s last July and now serves as a bowling consultant on England’s coaching team.
However, Anderson still has ambitions to play domestic cricket, having extended his contract with Lancashire earlier this year to participate in County Championship and T20 matches. It’s been almost six years since Anderson last played white-ball cricket and over ten years since his most recent T20 game. In November, the 42-year-old went unsold in the Indian Premier League auction, but he’s optimistic about next week’s Hundred draft. ESPNcricinfo reveals that Anderson has registered for the draft set for next Wednesday.
He’s entered without a reserve price and could still feature in the competition as a wildcard or injury replacement if he doesn’t immediately find a team.
Anderson has teased the possibility of joining The Hundred, expressing his interest for 2024 by saying: “Seeing the ball swing around, it makes me feel like I could do a job there.”
If he secures a spot, he would become the venerable tournament’s second-oldest player after Imran Tahir in 2022. Veterans Michael Hogan and Wayne Madsen have played in their forties, and Faf du Plessis is set to join them at 41 when he takes the field for Southern Brave this season.
After extending his contract with Lancashire in January, he shared his enthusiasm: “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.
“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.”
This article first appeared on The Mirror.
