James Anderson is one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. People call him “Jimmy.” He is famous for swinging the ball and getting batsmen out in style. He has played for England for more than two decades and still runs in with the same passion. But Jimmy is not just a bowler — he is a good husband, father, and a humble person. Let’s know everything about his life, family, career, age, height, controversies, and more in simple words.
Quick Info Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Michael Anderson |
| Date of Birth | 30 July 1982 |
| Age | 42 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Burnley, Lancashire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) |
| Profession | International Cricketer (Fast Bowler) |
| Batting Style | Left-handed batsman |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Father’s Name | Michael Anderson |
| Mother’s Name | Catherine Anderson |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Daniella Lloyd Anderson |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Current Team(s) | England, Lancashire County |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $15 million (2025) |
A Boy From Burnley With Big Dreams
James Anderson was born on July 30, 1982, in Burnley, a small town in Lancashire, England. He was an active boy who loved sports. He grew up in a normal middle-class family. His dad, Michael, worked hard to support the family and his mom, Catherine, always made sure Jimmy stayed grounded.
From a young age, James loved cricket. He would bowl for hours in his backyard. He joined the Burnley Cricket Club and soon showed his talent. His big dream was to wear the England jersey and take wickets against the best batsmen in the world.
Height, Age, and Looks
James Anderson is tall and slim. His height is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) which helps him bowl fast and swing the ball. Even at the age of 42 (in 2025), Jimmy looks young and fit. His stylish haircuts and tattoos make him one of the most handsome cricketers in England. Many fans love him not only for his bowling but also for his cool looks and gentle smile.
Family: A Strong Pillar For Jimmy
James Anderson loves his family deeply. His parents, Michael and Catherine, always supported his cricket journey. They would take him to practice, buy him gear, and cheer for him in local matches.
Jimmy married Daniella Lloyd, a beautiful English model and TV host. They met through common friends and fell in love. They got married in 2006. Daniella left her TV career to take care of their family. She is Jimmy’s biggest supporter and his best friend.
They have two lovely daughters. Jimmy often says that his wife and kids are his world. When he is not on the field, he spends time with them, goes for long walks, and loves family holidays.
Did Jimmy Have Any Girlfriend?
Before marrying Daniella, there is no famous story about Jimmy having any girlfriends. He is a private person and always kept his personal life away from gossip. He believes in staying loyal and respecting family values. Jimmy and Daniella have been together for almost 20 years now, which shows how strong their love is.
The Start of an Amazing Career
James Anderson’s big break came when he played for Lancashire County Cricket Club. His performances caught the eyes of selectors. In 2002, he played his first One Day International (ODI) for England against Australia. The next year, he made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Lord’s.
In his first Test series, he took a five-wicket haul. He became famous for his swing bowling — the way he moves the ball in the air is magic. Batters often don’t know where the ball will go!
Over the years, Anderson got stronger and smarter. He worked on his fitness, learned new tricks, and became England’s go-to bowler in any condition. He was a nightmare for batsmen in England because the cloudy weather helps him swing the ball both ways.
Records and Milestones: A Legend For The Ages
James Anderson has broken many records. He is the highest wicket-taker for England in Tests. He has taken over 700 Test wickets, making him the first fast bowler in history to do so. He passed Glenn McGrath’s record and became the most successful pacer ever.
Anderson has played more than 180 Test matches, which is very rare for a fast bowler because fast bowlers get injured easily. But Jimmy takes care of his body, does regular training, eats healthy food, and rests well. He once said, “Bowling is hard work, but if you love it, you keep going.”
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Jimmy also did well. But later, he focused on Test cricket to save his body from too much workload. He retired from limited-overs cricket in 2015 to focus on Tests.
IPL and County Cricket
Unlike many modern players, James Anderson never played in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He chose to play for Lancashire and focus on England duty. Some people asked why he never joined the IPL, and he simply said he wanted to give his best for England and his county club.
Jimmy is loyal to Lancashire. He plays county matches even today when he is free from England duty. Young bowlers at Lancashire see him as their hero and learn so much from him.
His Style: Swing King of the World
What makes Jimmy special is his swing bowling. He bowls fast but not too fast. He uses the air and the pitch to confuse the batsmen. He can swing the ball both ways — in-swing and out-swing. He also learned the reverse swing, which works when the ball gets old.
In England, he is almost unplayable when the weather is cloudy and the pitch is green. Even great batsmen like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar praised Jimmy for his skill and discipline.
Controversies: Some Heated Moments
James Anderson is mostly calm but has faced a few controversies. In the 2014 India tour, there was a famous clash with Ravindra Jadeja. Both players got into an argument and pushed each other on the field. The ICC looked into it, but Jimmy was not found guilty. Later, both players laughed about it.
Another time, he had on-field words with Mitchell Johnson and Michael Clarke during The Ashes. But sledging is common in cricket, and Jimmy says he never crosses the line. He believes it is part of the game to keep the competition alive.
Despite some heated moments, Jimmy is respected for playing hard but fair.
Personal Life: Simple and Stylish
When Jimmy is not playing cricket, he loves to play golf and watch football. He is a big Burnley FC fan and goes to matches when he can. He also does charity work. He helps young kids play cricket and stay away from bad things.
Jimmy is also known for his stylish sense. He loves fashion, wears designer clothes, and sometimes works as a radio host for BBC’s Tailenders podcast. He is funny and loves to crack jokes.
He has written books about his life and cricket tips for young players. He wants to coach fast bowlers one day and give back to the game that gave him so much.
How He Stays Fit At 42
It is amazing that James Anderson is still bowling at 42. He works out every day, eats balanced food, and sleeps well. He does swimming, yoga, and strength training. He also avoids playing too much white-ball cricket to keep his body fresh for Tests.
Anderson says his secret is simple — “If you love something, you take care of it.” That’s why he takes care of his body so that he can swing the ball for as long as possible.
What’s Next for James Anderson?
In 2025, Jimmy is still going strong. He wants to play as long as his body allows him. He wants to reach more milestones and help England win more matches. Many young players call him “King of Swing” and want to be like him.
When he finally retires, Jimmy wants to stay close to cricket. He might become a bowling coach or a full-time broadcaster. His calm voice and deep knowledge make him a perfect match for TV or radio.
