Published By: Sanchari Das

IPL Auction 2025: A Decade Old Affair – Recalling James Anderson’s Last T20 Match

Anderson's last T20 appearance came in the 2014 NatWest T20 Blast final

In a surprising turn, James Anderson has thrown his hat into the ring for the IPL 2025 mega auction. Set to take place on November 24 and 25, this marks Anderson's first-ever entry in the auction. His base price of INR 1.25 crore may raise eyebrows, especially as the 42-year-old has been retired from international cricket for a few months. With 704 Test wickets to his name, Anderson's legacy as a fast-bowling great is undisputed, but T20 has rarely been his arena, with his last match in the format played back in 2014.

Anderson's last T20 match

Anderson's last T20 appearance came in the 2014 NatWest T20 Blast final, where his team, Lancashire, faced Warwickshire. Batting first, Warwickshire posted a challenging 181/5, thanks to Laurie Evans' explosive 53 off 30 balls and useful contributions from the middle order. Anderson had a tough day on the field, conceding 52 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket. His economy rate of 13.00 was unusually high, marking a challenging end to his T20 bowling career. The match, however, went down as one of the most memorable in the tournament.

Lancashire's chase and Anderson's farewell

Lancashire's chase was led by Karl Brown, who smashed 55 off just 28 balls, keeping the team in contention. Ashwell Prince added a quick 30, and Andrew Flintoff's late surge with 20 off eight balls nearly brought them over the line. Despite the valiant effort, they fell short by just four runs, ending at 177/8. Anderson, batting lower down the order, didn't get a chance to face a delivery, bringing his T20 career to a quiet end. The loss was bittersweet, marking the end of Anderson's journey in T20 cricket.

A tough day for Anderson

Though Anderson's last T20 outing wasn't his best, the match had thrilling moments. Lancashire's bowlers, including Tom Smith and Stephen Parry, fought hard, but Warwickshire's batting depth proved challenging to contain. Laurie Evans was named Player of the Match, and his half-century and two catches sealed the game. The four-run loss left Anderson's T20 career without a fairytale ending.

Anderson’s T20 stats

Anderson's T20 career has been limited but noteworthy. In his 44-match stint, he claimed 41 wickets at an average of 32.14, though his economy rate of 8.47 was higher. He made 19 appearances for England, collecting 18 wickets with a best performance of 3/23. He debuted in the shortest format in 2007, but his career focused on Test cricket more. The lack of franchise T20 experience might be a hurdle, but his raw skill and experience could still make him an asset for a team looking for a seasoned bowler.

Anderson's current role

Following his retirement, Anderson has taken on the role of bowling coach for England, guiding the next generation of fast bowlers. Despite stepping away from the international spotlight, his commitment to the game remains strong. As England's bowling coach, he's helping mould future stars with the same precision he brought to his own game. His return to T20, even as a mentor or supporting bowler, suggests a potential shift in focus, with Anderson possibly ready to test himself in the format he once left behind.