How Is James Anderson Still Rattling Batters at 43? Former Teammate Matthew Hoggard Explains

Sir James Anderson is a rare species in the cricket universe. 

The right-arm fast-medium bowler retired from international cricket two years ago, but remains relevant as he continues to rattle batters in the County Championship for Lancashire.

Leading from the front, the veteran of 704 Test wickets is already the second-highest wicket-taker, right after Durham's Ben Raine, in Division Two with 27 scalps in five outings, including a five-for (5/66) against Northamptonshire.

NO VISIBLE CLUE TO BATTERS

Even after an international career spanning 22 years, 188 Tests, 194 ODIs and 19 T20Is, Anderson’s work ethic and hunger haven’t died. What could be his secret sauce of the 43-year-old? 

Former England fast-medium bowler Matthew Hoggard, who has played with Anderson and observed the man since his Test debut in 2003, felt the Lancashire captain’s lethal weapon is deception. 

“First, his skill level evolved constantly. Early in his career, he had raw pace and natural swing, but as he grew older, he became more intelligent and efficient. One of his greatest strengths, and probably the biggest reason he has remained so dangerous for so long — is his ability to challenge both edges of the bat while giving almost nothing away in his action,” Hoggard, a veteran of 67 Tests and 248 wickets fo England, told Sportsboom.co.uk in an exclusive chat.

Hoggard could gauge the tricks of fast bowlers, but he couldn’t decode Anderson. 

“Most bowlers have a visible clue when they’re bowling inswing or outswing. Jimmy never really did. His wrist position, gather, and action stayed almost identical, which meant batters were constantly forced to play late. When someone can swing the ball both ways at a high skill level without a distinct change in action, it becomes incredibly difficult to line up,” he said.

The 49-year-old believes that the batters in the county are struggling due to the same reason. 

“Even though he is 43, county batters are still unsure whether to play for the ball leaving them or coming back in,” said Hoggard, who was part of the historic Ashes series in 2005, which England won 2-1 at home.

BODY MANAGEMENT AND WORKING SMART

While praising Anderson's use of "conditions, angles, lengths, and seam presentation," Hoggard also highlighted how the seasoned campaigner has been particular about adjusting with age. 

"By his late 30s and now into his 40s, he wasn’t trying to bowl 90mph every spell, he was bowling smarter than almost everyone else. That’s why he can still dominate County Championship cricket."

Hoggard, who also played 26 ODIs, underlined that Anderson's discipline and patience prolonged his career. 

"He’s obsessive about preparation and body maintenance. Fast bowling destroys your body over time, but Jimmy became incredibly disciplined with recovery, gym work, flexibility, and workload management. He also benefited from adapting his action rather than fighting age. A lot of bowlers try to bowl the same way at 22 and 42, Jimmy adjusted," he said.

"Mentally, he’s probably tougher than people realise too. Fast bowlers go through long spells where nothing happens, especially in England when conditions flatten out. Jimmy always had the patience to keep hitting the same areas for hours. That consistency is exhausting mentally as much as physically."

ANDERSON, THE CAPTAIN

Anderson stepped in as interim captain of Lancashire on two occasions in 2025, but was named full-time captain for the ongoing season. “The other thing people underestimate is how competitive he still is. Players don’t keep taking wickets at 43 unless they still genuinely love the battle,” said Hoggard.

“As a leader, I think he’s probably become a stronger captain and senior figure with age. Younger Jimmy was quieter and more emotional on the field. Older Jimmy seems calmer, more measured, and hugely respected because he’s done absolutely everything in the game,” he added.

The England men's cricket team have not released Anderson completely. He is part of the setup as a fast-bowling mentor. The young fast bowlers such as Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker and Gus Atkinson can pick his brains for improvement. 

"He also leads more by standards than by speeches. The younger lads see a 43-year-old doing every warm-up properly, preparing meticulously, still desperate to improve, that sets the tone without needing to say much," he signed off.

Lancashire won two, lost two and drew one in the Championship, with 63 points thus far. They will meet Worcestershire in Southport on Friday.

Matthew Hoggard is an award-winning cricket speaker represented by Champions Speakers Agency, UK’s leading keynote speaker bureaus.