James Anderson Eyes Return to Professional Cricket in the Hundred
James Anderson, the veteran English fast bowler, has set his sights on playing in the Hundred this summer, a decision that has caught the attention of the cricketing world. Despite not playing professionally since his final Test appearance against West Indies in July 2022 and serving as a consultant coach for England, including during the Champions Trophy, Anderson has signed a one-year contract with Lancashire in January to cover the 2025 season. Now, he is looking to make his debut in the Hundred, a tournament he has never been part of before. Anderson’s ambition to play white-ball cricket after a six-year hiatus and over a decade since his last T20 appearance is a testament to his enduring passion for the sport and his desire to remain competitive at the highest level.
Entering the Draft Without a Reserve Price
Anderson has registered his name for the upcoming Hundred draft, which is scheduled for March 12. By doing so without setting a reserve price, he has positioned himself as an open candidate for any of the tournament’s teams. This approach increases his chances of being selected, even if it means he might not command the highest salary. However, even if Anderson is not picked during the draft, he could still find his way into the tournament as a wildcard or injury replacement. His name in the draft is a bold move, especially considering he will be 43 years old when the Hundred begins on August 5. If selected, Anderson would become the second-oldest player in the tournament’s history, following Imran Tahir, who played at 42 in 2022. Other players in their 40s, such as Michael Hogan and Wayne Madsen, have also participated, and Faf du Plessis will be 41 when he represents the Southern Brave this season.
A Crowded Field of Overseas Players
The Hundred draft is highly competitive, with over 300 male overseas players vying for just 10 spots across the men’s teams. Out of these, 14 players have already been retained or recruited directly by their respective teams. The tournament’s scheduling conflicts with international series and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) further complicate matters, as most active international players and West Indies cricketers will be unavailable. This leaves a pool of talented players who are eager to showcase their skills on the Hundred’s stage, but the competition is fierce, and not all will make the cut.
Notable Signings and Interests
One of the most noteworthy overseas players in the draft is Noor Ahmad, the Afghan spinner, who has set his reserve price at a staggering £200,000, the highest salary in the Hundred’s history. Ahmad is highly likely to sign with Manchester Originals, given his recent performance with the Durban Super Giants, a team co-owned by the RPSG Group, who are also the new co-owners of Manchester Originals. The London Spirit, who have the first pick in the draft, are also expected to make a significant move, with rumors suggesting they may be interested in signing Jamie Overton, who has recently left Manchester Originals. These high-profile moves highlight the tournament’s growing stature and the吸引力 of playing in a format that is quickly gaining popularity.
Domestic Talent in the Draft
Several prominent domestic players have also entered the draft, including Jason Roy and Dawid Malan, both of whom have set reserve prices. If these players are not selected, they may consider opportunities to play overseas, where their skills could fetch higher salaries. Mark Wood, another England international who has yet to feature in the Hundred, has also set his reserve price at £200,000. However, due to his recent injury history and the tournament’s timing, Wood is likely to be a late replacement if he joins at all. The draft includes a mix of experienced players and young talents, with several recent England Under-19 internationals like Rocky Flintoff, Ben McKinney, Harry Moore, and Archie Vaughan also in contention. This blend of seasoned professionals and emerging stars adds an extra layer of excitement to the draft.
The Future of the Hundred
The inclusion of a player like James Anderson in the draft underscores the Hundred’s increasing importance in the cricketing calendar. Anderson’s return to white-ball cricket, albeit at an advanced age, could inspire other veteran players to consider similar moves. The tournament’s unique format and high-profile endorsements have already attracted a diverse range of talent, and the draft process ensures that teams can build competitive rosters. As the Hundred continues to evolve, it is likely to see more innovations and strategic moves, making it an even more compelling and dynamic competition. The upcoming draft is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting summer of cricket.
