Former England fast bowler James Anderson was called in as a substitute fielder during their tour match ahead of the first Test against New Zealand next week due to an injury setback.
In an eye-catching move, Anderson came out to the field as a substitute during the final day of England’s warm-up match against Prime Minister’s XI in Queenstown, New Zealand, before their three-match series from Wednesday (November 28).
The decision was prompted by wicketkeeper Jordan Cox’s injury in the nets. Cox, primed to don the gloves in the absence of Jamie Smith, sustained a blow to his right hand. Ben Stokes also took the field after skipping the first day, while Ollie Pope deputised in Cox’s absence.
Back in an England shirt again 😍@Jimmy9 helping out the boys in the warm-up game 💪 pic.twitter.com/aUdYCZf21x
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 23, 2024
Anderson, England’s highest wicket-taker across formats (991), called time on his 21-year illustrious career during the Lord’s Test against West Indies in July this year. He has been signed as the team’s bowling consultant since then, with his initial stint being the West Indies series and subsequent home Tests against Sri Lanka.
Later, England confirmed that they would carry on with Anderson in that role for their upcoming winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.
KL Rahul put up a batting clinic while opening in both innings on a spicy Perth wicket.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 24, 2024
Naman Agarwal acknowledges one of the most versatile, yet under-appreciated cricketers of the generation.
Read here ➡️ https://t.co/m6X9daPvAy pic.twitter.com/VdJiLsIkgM
After expressing a desire to play franchise cricket, Anderson made it to the list of shortlisted players to be auctioned in IPL 2025. At 43 years old, he will be the oldest to take part in this year’s auction. If picked he will be the fourth oldest ever to be part of the tournament behind Brad Hogg, Pravin Tambe and MS Dhoni. Anderson last played a T20 in 2014 in a T20 Blast match between Lancashire and Warwickshire.
The two-day tour match had a cracking finish. Coming from 113 runs behind, Prime Minister’s XI declared their second innings at 313-5, spearheaded by captain Troy Johnson’s 115-ball 80. England were set up a target of 201 in the fourth innings. Barring Joe Root (82*) and Stokes (59) other England batters struggled as the match ended in a draw with England at 196-9.
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