James Anderson's professional cricket career is likely in its final phase, as Lancashire has not issued an official contract letter. The English County cricket club has decided not to renew the contract with the 44-year-old seamer.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who was also the captain of Anderson at some point in his career, expressed that the legendary seamer deserves a lot better treatment than what he receives in Lancashire. In his latest column, Hussain said the team would be better with Anderson, regardless of his age.

Nasser Hussain backs 44-year-old James Anderson

Anderson retired from the England National Cricket Team in 2024, but he kept himself active in County cricket for Lancashire. When he made his debut for England from Lancashire’s second team, Nasser Hussain was England's captain. It was a series against Australia, a tough series against the arch rivals. James Anderson was then very young but skilful enough to impress his captain of the national side.

“I don’t know what the financial situation is at Lancashire, so I don’t want to comment too much on whether it’s right or wrong, but it just didn’t seem to me to be the change that you need to make at that club,” Hussain wrote in his column for Sky Sports.

James Anderson would have bowled alright in Australia last winter: Nasser Hussain

Even after entering his 40s, James Anderson showed great intensity in his bowling in club cricket. Why Lancashire does not want to renew his contract with Anderson is not clear; it can be because of his age, or it can be a financial reason. Whatever the reason may be, Nasser Hussain felt that Anderson could do a lot better than some of the present bowlers.

"He would have bowled alright in Australia last winter, I tell you. He’d have bowled better than some that bowled out there, and he bowled better than some that bowled for Lancashire this summer and have done for the last 26 years. I can’t believe that he’s going to be treated like this and he deserves a bit better," he expressed in his column.

"I’d say most counties in the country would take Anderson, even at the age of 44. When I watched clips of him this summer, he still had that magic about him and the hunger," he added.

Nasser Hussain wants to see Lancashire with James Anderson

Hussain further noted that the way Anderson controlled the ball and changed the position of the seam looked mesmerizing. The former cricketer wrote that the county cricket club would be a better team if they could hold James Anderson with them. The pacer last played for Lancashire on September 15 when he took 3 wickets against Kent.

"His skill is just incredible – the control of the ball, the way he changed from being a swing bowler to a wobble seam bowler and a swing bowler, his hunger, his fitness and his longevity. I personally think Lancashire are a better side with a 44-year-old Anderson than without," Nasser Hussain wrote.