James Anderson has given a brutally honest review of his experience at The Hundred, admitting he “hated every minute” of playing in the tournament last year, in remarks unlikely to please the organisers.The veteran pacer, widely regarded as one of the greatest pacers in the history of the game and the only pacer to take 700 Test wickets, featured in three matches for Manchester Originals during the 2025 edition after impressing in the T20 Blast. However, his tenure yielded only two wickets and, by his own admission, was little enjoyed.
“It was a mixture of hating every minute of The Hundred last year, if I may say so, and especially being captain this year, I think it’s really important that I focus on being as fit as I can be for the four-day stuff,” Anderson told The Independent.“When The Hundred is on, hopefully I’ll be on holiday somewhere,” he added.The remarks are significant given the England and Wales Cricket Board’s efforts to expand and promote the 100-ball format. Anderson’s comments, even if candid rather than deliberately critical, cast a shadow over the perception of the tournament among traditionalists and players.Now 43 and retired from international cricket from 2024, Anderson is turning his full attention to the red ball game. He has taken up the role of permanent captain at Lancashire after a short spell in charge last season, where he led the team in five matches, winning two, drawing two, and losing one.Speaking after his appointment, Anderson expressed his pride and desire for the role. “It was a huge honor to captain Lancashire for the first time last season, and I’m proud to take on the role full-time in the new season,” he said.“We have a fantastic group of players, a great mix of youth and experience, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together with promotion to Division One being our top priority,” he added.With the new county season underway, Lancashire will open their campaign against Northamptonshire. Anderson has made it clear that his focus is on getting the team back into Division One.“I want the team to improve this year,” he said.“I want all the players to enjoy it. Remember why we started playing cricket, because we love the game. County cricket, they know, can feel like a treadmill. So try and get the boys back, ‘It’s not just a job, it’s something we love to do’.”For Anderson, the priority is clear. The red ball game comes first, and his brief, unpleasant experience at The Hundred only reinforced that belief.
