A Candid Reflection on The Hundred and Future Cricket Plans
Former England fast bowler James Anderson has been unreserved in his criticism of his brief stint in The Hundred, a 100-ball cricket competition. At 43 years old, Anderson admitted he “hated every minute of it” during his time in the tournament last summer. Although he retired from international cricket earlier this year, he was selected as a wildcard player for Manchester Originals in the 2025 season. However, his performance in the competition was underwhelming, with only two wickets taken in three games.
Following this disappointing experience, Anderson has decided to step away from The Hundred for the 2026 season. His focus will now be on red-ball cricket with his county team, Lancashire. He explained that this decision is not solely based on his previous experience but also because he is taking on the role of captain for Lancashire this season.
Focus on County Cricket and Fitness
When asked about his reasons for stepping back, Anderson made it clear that his decision is driven by both his negative experience in The Hundred and his new responsibilities as a captain. He said:
“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.”
Future Plans and Career Thoughts
At 43, Anderson isn’t entirely stepping away from the game. He is currently leading Lancashire and hopes the county can achieve promotion into Division One this season. The veteran cricketer has been open about considering a potential return 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, Anderson is also honest about the physical challenges he faces. He mentioned times when he struggles with his body:
“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 run from July 21 to August 16, while the County Championship has already begun this week. Anderson has clearly outlined his priorities moving forward, emphasizing his commitment to Lancashire and red-ball cricket. His decision reflects a strategic approach to his career, balancing his passion for the game with the realities of aging and physical demands.
