'I could do a job in shorter format' - James Anderson hopeful for return to white ball cricket

England's legendary pacer James Anderson is considering a comeback to cricket, merely a month after he retired from Test cricket. The 42-year-old, who recently hung up his boots after the first Test against West Indies at Lord's, has hinted at a potential return to white-ball cricket, particularly in the Hundred tournament.

Anderson, the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history and the only pacer to surpass 700 Test wickets ended his illustrious international career after a remarkable run. Following his retirement, he joined the England team as a bowling mentor for the final two Tests against West Indies.

However, Anderson never officially announced his complete retirement from all forms of cricket, leaving hopes for a potential return. The veteran bowler expressed his interest in participating in the Hundred tournament, seeing the prospect of swinging deliveries. 

"There's a bit of intrigue with the shorter formats because I've not played any franchise stuff before. Watching The Hundred this year, and seeing the ball swing around, makes me feel like I could do a job there. I might be in a bit of denial because I'm well aware. I won't play for England again but I've still not made a decision on my actual cricket career," he said as quoted by Times Now.

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I'll be good enough to play that form of cricket: James Anderson

Anderson's last T20I games for the Three Lions came in 2009, as he primarily focused on Test cricket in the latter part of his career. However, he is open to exploring opportunities in the shorter format of the game.

"Once this summer is done I can sit down and think if I want to play cricket in some shape or form again next year. I'm quite open at the minute to thoughts of any sort of cricket, I'm still fit enough to play and I'm not shutting myself off to anything," he added.

The pacer is aware of the hesitation regarding his age but remains confident in his abilities. The right-arm seamer is excited to bowl and explore this format of the game.

"It's hard to know if there'll be any interest from people wanting me to play in that sort of thing so we'll wait and see. I know it's a while since I played it and my age will get brought up again but I really feel I'll be good enough to play that form of cricket," he further added.

Also read: James Anderson recites late England legend Bob Willis' handwritten poem post-retirement

Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes has expressed interest in having Anderson mentor the team during the upcoming Ashes series. Anderson, however, is still contemplating whether coaching aligns with his passions.

“It’s still a long way away and I still need to see if this is what I’m passionate about. Stokesy and England need to decide if I’m the right man for the job too. So far, so good, but you never know," Stokes said.