The former England fast bowler revealed on the BBC Tailenders podcast that he was briefly informed Lancashire would be moving forward without him. The decision followed a campaign where he led the red-ball side as captain for the first time, taking 50 wickets at an average of 17.68. Lancashire struggled as a team during the season, finishing seventh in the eight-team second division. Anderson reiterated that he hoped to retire on his own terms, leaving his overall playing future somewhat uncertain.
Key points
James Anderson remains uncertain if his playing career is fully finished following his re…: James Anderson remains uncertain if his playing career is fully finished following his release from his home county.
The veteran bowler took 704 Test wickets across 188 matches before retiring from the inte…: The veteran bowler took 704 Test wickets across 188 matches before retiring from the international arena in 2024.
New ventures for Anderson include acting as both co-owner and captain for the Napoli Knig…: New ventures for Anderson include acting as both co-owner and captain for the Napoli Knights in the Italia T10 league.
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Oct 30 : Former England fast bowler James Anderson has said he was shocked when Lancashire chose not to renew his contract, ending a 25-year association with his home county.
The 44-year-old, England's leading test wicket taker with 704 victims in 188 matches, retired from international duty in 2024.
"I was being told they thought the best way for the team to move forward was without me. I was quite shocked. It was quite brief," Anderson told the BBC Tailenders podcast on Friday.
"I wanted to see my career out with Lancs (Lancashire). I don't know if my career is done, we'll have to wait and see, but it would be nice at some point if someone would let me retire."
Anderson, who captained Lancashire's red-ball side for the first time this season, took 50 wickets at an average of 17.68 as the county finished seventh in the eight-team second division.
Anderson said he was excited by new opportunities, including his role as captain and co-owner of the Napoli Knights in the Italia T10 league.
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