A Candid Reflection on The Hundred and Future Plans
Former England fast bowler James Anderson has been open about his experiences in The Hundred, a 100-ball cricket competition. At 43, he admitted that he “hated every minute of it” during his participation last summer. While he has retired from international cricket, Anderson played for Manchester Originals as a wildcard pick in the 2025 season. However, this stint did not go as planned, with only two wickets in three games.
Following this underwhelming performance, Anderson has decided to step away from The Hundred for the 2026 season. His focus is now on red ball cricket with his county side, Lancashire. He explained that his decision was influenced by both his negative experience in The Hundred and his role as captain of Lancashire this season.
Focus on County Cricket and Fitness
When questioned about his reasons for stepping back, Anderson made it clear that his primary motivation is to concentrate on his fitness for four-day cricket. He stated:
“It was a mixture of hating every minute of The Hundred last year, if I can say that, and especially being (Lancashire) captain this year.”
He added:
“I think it’s really important that I focus on being as fit as I can be for the four-day stuff.” Anderson plans to take a break during The Hundred window. “When The Hundred’s on I’m hopefully going to be on holiday somewhere.”
This decision highlights his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition for the longer format of the game, which is crucial for his role as a captain.
Future Plans and Career Thoughts
Despite his age, Anderson is not entirely stepping away from cricket. He is currently leading Lancashire and hopes the team can achieve promotion into Division One this season. The veteran player has been candid about the possibility of a potential comeback should his team secure promotion.
He said:
“I think there are times throughout the winter where I maybe thought about what if we get promoted and we’ve got a chance to push for the championship next year. Would I want to be involved in that? And of course I would.”
However, he also acknowledges the challenges that come with his age. There are moments when he finds his body struggling.
“And then there are other times when I wake up and I struggle to walk to the toilet in the morning and think maybe I can’t get another year out of my body.”
Key Dates and Priorities
The Hundred 2026 is scheduled to take place from July 21 to August 16, while the County Championship began this week. Anderson has clearly outlined his priorities moving forward, focusing on his role with Lancashire and ensuring he is in the best shape possible for the longer format of the game.
His journey through The Hundred has been a mixed one, but his decisions reflect a deep understanding of his current capabilities and future goals. As he continues to play for Lancashire, fans will be watching closely to see if he makes a return to the shorter format of the game in the future.
