James Anderson Contemplates His Future in Cricket

James Anderson, England’s highest Test wicket-taker, is contemplating his future in cricket, feeling the "urge" to continue playing, though he remains undecided on the path ahead. Anderson stepped away from Test cricket in July and has since taken on the role of coaching consultant for the England team.

In August, Anderson hinted at the possibility of exploring franchise cricket, with interest coming from the United States. The 42-year-old could also extend his career domestically with Lancashire. He mentioned that he has a few months to decide, but expressed a strong desire to keep playing, adding that his fitness and motivation are still intact. Whether a team is interested in signing him, however, is something he’s uncertain about.

In a conversation with BBC Sport, Anderson acknowledged that he still feels a strong "itch to scratch" as a player. However, he humorously noted that it’s up to others to decide if they want to help him fulfill that urge. He admitted that he misses playing and enjoys the feeling of holding the ball during practice sessions.

Though Anderson hasn’t played white-ball cricket since 2019, with his last T20 appearance dating back to 2014, his one outing for Lancashire in the County Championship last summer was a remarkable 7-35 performance against Nottinghamshire. While unsure whether he’d prefer red-ball or limited-overs formats, Anderson confirmed he will remain part of England’s coaching setup for the Test series in New Zealand later this year.

Anderson's involvement with the England team recently sparked debate when he arrived late for their tour of Pakistan, joining after the first day of the opening Test due to his participation in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Head coach Brendon McCullum defended Anderson’s absence, explaining that it had been pre-discussed, and the team performed well in his absence.

Reflecting on the situation, Anderson expressed surprise at the attention it received, explaining that he had cleared the arrangement with McCullum, who had no issues with it. Anderson maintained contact with the bowlers while away, and felt his absence didn’t negatively impact the team’s performance. He praised McCullum for being understanding, adding that it was a chance for the bowlers to take more responsibility.

Ultimately, Anderson remains focused on making the best decision for his future in cricket, while balancing his coaching role and potential playing opportunities.