Cricket legend Jimmy Anderson enters Hundred draft aged 42 despite double snub
England cricket legend Jimmy Anderson has taken another step towards extending his momentous career by registering for the Hundred draft.
Anderson, who’d be 43 once the tournament starts in August, wants to make his first appearance in the Hundred after his international career was ended last year. England’s all-time leading wicket-taker was told by head coach Brendon McCullum that he was no longer part of their plans, ruling him out of this year’s Ashes series in Australia.
The Lancashire pacer made his final Test appearance against the West Indies at Lord’s last July and now works as a bowling consultant as part of England’s coaching staff. But Anderson still wants to play domestic cricket, having signed a one-year contract extension with Lancashire earlier this year to play County Championship and T20 matches.
It’s been nearly six years since Anderson last played white-ball cricket and over a decade since his most recent T20 appearance. In November, the 42-year-old went unsold in the Indian Premier League auction, but he’s hoping to have more luck when it comes to next week’s Hundred draft.
ESPNcricinfo report that Anderson signed himself up for the draft which takes place 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 suitor.
Anderson has previously hinted at playing in the Hundred, saying in 2024: “Seeing the ball swing around, it makes me feel like I could do a job there.”
Should he find a team, he’d become the tournament’s second-oldest player after Imran Tahir (in 2022). Michael Hogan and Wayne Madsen have previously featured in their 40s while Faf du Plessis will be 41 once he plays for Southern Brave this summer.
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The end of Anderson’s England career remains a point of contention among fans but he won’t be walking away from cricket any time soon. He said after signing his new deal with Lancashire in January: “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.”
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