3 factors that make James Anderson a reliable option for T20s
One of the finest fast bowlers to have ever graced the game of cricket, James Anderson recently retired from Test cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career. He finished with the most Test wickets by a fast bowler (704) and having played the second-most number of Tests (188), only behind Sachin Tendulkar (200).
Prior to Anderson's farewell match, England Test skipper Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum had an elaborate discussion with the fast bowler. They communicated to him that they wanted to look at the future.
With international cricket being a finished chapter now, Anderson hopes to revive his career through T20 gigs around the world. Seeing the ball swing in the ongoing Hundred Men's Competition, the 42-year-old felt he could be a handful in these conditions. Meanwhile, his former teammate Mooen Ali echoed the same views.
Moeen recently said he would have certainly looked at Anderson as an option had there been an injury in the Birmingham Phoenix squad.
“Last year we had Woakesy and these guys, they bowled outstandingly well. You want that Test bowler, who can hit a length, swing the ball. If we had an injury, I would honestly have tried to call up Jimmy Anderson, because he would have been awesome," Moeen Ali said following Birmingham Phoenix's qualification to the next round (via Wisden).
Anderson would certainly be a handful in conditions suitable for swing bowling. Having said that, let us find out why James Anderson would do well in T20s.
3 factors that make James Anderson a reliable option for T20s
#1. Anderson’s vast experience in all formats of the game
While Anderson ended his career primarily as a red-ball bowler, he was more than just decent in the limited-overs format. For someone who has played so much cricket in so many different conditions, it shouldn't be a huge problem for Anderson to adjust to the dynamics of the shortest T20.
He played his last T20I for England in 2009 and his last ODI appearance came in 2105. James Anderson has a good record in both white-ball formats and his experience will certainly come in handy for any T20 team. He could very well make his presence felt in this format.
#2. Anderson's ability to swing the ball makes him a potent powerplay option
One of the pioneers of swing bowling in modern-day cricket, James Anderson has been a master with the red ball which tends to swing much longer than the white ball. In home conditions, he can wreak havoc with the help of overcast conditions. Even in the ongoing Hundred tournament, we have seen some prodigious swing upfront.
Anderson might not be the best of options at death but he could certainly become a threat with the new ball. Trent Boult is a prime example of what a swing bowler can do even with a new white ball. If the conditions are conducive, Anderson could be a wicket-taking option in the first six overs.
#3. Anderson is one of the fittest players going around, even at the age of 42
One of the reasons James Anderson was an integral member of the England bowling cartel was the agility he brought on the field. He fielded at hotspots for the majority of his career and never looked lethargic after long spells.
Anderson has bowled long spells for over two decades, so a four-over spell shouldn't break too much sweat for him. He is still one of the fittest cricketers going around and if he gets the opportunity in any of the T20 leagues, Anderson could become one of those rare breed of red ball players who revived his career through T20s.