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James Anderson finally retired from international cricket after his final Test match against West Indies in the first Test of the three-match series at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The 42-year-old finished with stunning numbers, scalping four more wickets in his final game to finish his tally at 704 wickets in 188 games. 

James Anderson's Test career in numbers
MatchesInningsWicketsAverageEconomyBF
18835070426.452.797/42

Anderson stands just behind Australia’s legendary spinner Shane Warne and Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan for most wickets in test matches. 

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Since he retired from international cricket, Anderson has been moved into the role of bowling mentor for the English team. The England Cricket Board (ECB) has specifically taken this decision keeping the 2025/26 Ashes season in mind. Ben Stokes’ team will be touring Australia for a five-match Test series to regain the Ashes in mind. 

Most wickets in Test cricket
PlayerCountryMatchesInningsWicketsBF
Muttiah MuralitharanSri Lanka1332308009/51
Shane WarneAustralia1452737088/71
James AndersonEngland1883507047/42

However, Anderson in a recent podcast has revealed that he still thinks that he can swing the ball at the highest order, and is still fit enough both physically and mentally to feature in franchise-based T20 leagues. 

READ MORE: Will James Anderson play in IPL?

What did Anderson say about playing in T20 leagues?

Talking on The Final World Podcast Anderson stated that he watched the recently concluded The Hundred tournament in England and watching how the ball swung, the former English pacer felt that he still has it in him to play at the highest level. 

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 maybe see if I could do a job in white-ball cricket. Franchise cricket is something I have never done.

Despite being a top pacer at the international level, Anderson has never featured in franchise-based T20 leagues, nor has he had a long T20I career with the English team. 

Anderson even hinted at continuing playing cricket at the domestic level, stating that the option is not “off the table.” Anderson also mentioned that he wouldn’t mind bowling the English player in the Tests, stating that he feels he has the potential to do so. 

Bowling at the England lads in the nets, you have to have change-ups and slower balls. We constantly work it, so I do not think [the skills and variations] will be an issue. But I do not know how much people will want a 42-year-old bowler in their team so we will have to wait and see

What is James Anderson’s record in T20Is?

Anderson has played in 19 T20Is for England, picking up 18 wickets at an average of over 30 and an economy of over 7. He made his T20I debut in 2007 against Australia and played last T20I against South Africa in 2009.

James Anderson T20I stats
MatchesWicketsAverageEconomyBF
191830.367.843/23

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Author(s)
Rahul Chalke Photo

Rahul is a content producer for The Sporting News’ India edition.