James Anderson has said he "hated every minute" of playing in The Hundred last year.
Anderson was selected as a Vitality Wildcard pick by Manchester Originals and played three matches in the competition. The 43-year-old took two wickets at an economy rate of 10.92 across the matches he played, and didn't put his name forward for the auction this year.
Speaking ahead of the start of the English domestic season today (April 1), Anderson said of his decision not to seek a Hundred deal: "It was a mixture of hating every minute of The Hundred last year – if I can say that. No, I wanted to experience it last year and I think it's a great competition, but I think for me, especially being captain (of Lancashire) this year, it's really important to focus on being as fit as I can be for the four day stuff."
After retiring from international cricket in 2024, Anderson played T20 cricket for the first time in over a decade last year, representing Lancashire in the T20 Blast. He played 11 matches in the 2025 Blast, taking 20 wickets at an economy rate of 7.85. Lancashire reached T20 Blast Finals Day last year, where they were defeated by Somerset in their semi-final.
Ahead of the upcoming season, Anderson has been named Lancashire's red-ball captain, having led the side in five matches last summer.
"I want to play in the Blast as well again," said Anderson on his reasoning not to enter The Hundred auction. I loved every minute of it last year. But, against, I wasn't playing every game. We've got a good squad that we can that we can rotate a little bit. When The Hundred's on, I'm hopefully going to be on holiday somewhere."
This season will be Anderson's 27th with Lancashire, having made his debut for the county in 2000. He signed a one year deal with the club at the end of the 2025 season, which will see him extend his professional career beyond his 44th birthday.
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