JAMES ANDERSON is considering an unexpected return to white-ball cricket following his England retirement and is weighing up a farewell lap on the franchise circuit, it was reported today.

Anderson, the most prolific fast bowler in Test history, bowed out of international cricket in emotional scenes at Lord’s last month, and his immediate transition to a coaching role appeared to signal the end of his playing career.

But the 42-year-old never officially announced he had bowled his last ball and is now pondering throwing his hat into the ring for deals in the T20 arena, or even next season’s Hundred competition.