I hated every minute of The Hundred: James Anderson

Former England fast-bowler James Anderson has spoken on his experience in the 2025 Men’s Hundred.

Anderson was picked by the Manchester Originals as a wildcard pick, and played three games in the season with dismal returns. He stated how he "hated every minute" of the tournament, choosing to focus on his duties with Lancashire in 2026 instead of playing in England’s premier franchise competition.

"It was a mixture of hating every minute of The Hundred last year – if I can say that. No, I wanted to experience it last year and I think it's a great competition, but I think for me, especially being captain (of Lancashire) this year, it's really important to focus on being as fit as I can be for the four day stuff," was quoted as saying by Wisden.

Anderson has been appointed captain of Lancashire for the 2026 County Championship season. He played in the 2025 Blast, picking up 20-wickets in 11 matches as Lancashire made the semi-finals, where they missed out against Somerset.

Anderson has further stated that he wants to play in the Blast again, after not playing every year, and is hopeful of being on vacation when The Hundred is on.

"I want to play in the Blast as well again. I loved every minute of it last year. But, again, I wasn't playing every game. We've got a good squad that we can that we can rotate a little bit. When The Hundred's on, I'm hopefully going to be on holiday somewhere."

Anderson retired from international cricket in 2024, after an illustrious 22-year career with the Three Lions. With 704 scalps, he was the leading wicket-taker for England in Tests, and has the most for a fast-bowler in the format. He also has the most wickets for England in ODIs, with 269 scalps, despite playing his last ODI in 2015. He plays his 27th season with Lancashire in 2026, and will turn 44 during the season.