England’s Test cricket icon James Anderson has made his franchise cricket debut at the age of 43. Following his international retirement last summer, James Anderson had entered the IPL auction but remained unsold as no team picked him. However, he soon confirmed his entry into The Hundred 2025, with Manchester Originals signing up the veteran pacer.
James Anderson featured in Manchester’s opening match against Southern Brave, being named in the starting lineup. Speaking after his debut, James Anderson expressed his excitement and reflected on how his dedication to Test cricket had previously kept him from participating in shorter formats like T20. Now that his red-ball career is behind him, he’s thrilled to embrace this new opportunity and said he feels physically fit and full of energy, like a 20-year-old, ready for this fresh phase of his journey.
“I’ve spent the majority of my career focused on Test cricket and really enjoyed my summer with Lancashire,” James Anderson. “It’s great to be here, and I know I need to put in the work. I’ve loved my time with Lancashire and now want to make a difference both on and off the field. I’m truly thankful for the chance to be part of this format.”
Looking ahead to the game, he added, “I’ve dedicated my life to playing for England. I still feel fit and am just enjoying myself. Honestly, I feel like I can still run around like I’m 20.”
Match Update:
Southern Brave won the toss and chose to bowl first in match 2 of The Hundred, held at Old Trafford. Before the game began, the new Manchester Originals owner, Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, rang the ceremonial bell.
Playing XIs:
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Manchester Originals: Philip Salt (c), Matthew Hurst, Jos Buttler (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Mark Chapman, Lewis Gregory, Scott Currie, Noor Ahmad, Farhan Ahmed, James Anderson, Sonny Baker
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Southern Brave: James Vince (c), Leus du Plooy, Jason Roy, James Coles, Laurie Evans (wk), Hilton Cartwright, Michael Bracewell, Chris Jordan, Craig Overton, Tymal Mills, Reece Topley