Ian Waller enjoys an evening of cricket anecdotes with England’s greatest ever wicket taker
Last night’s event at The Forum, Bath – An Evening with Jimmy Anderson – was a roaring success: not an empty seat in the house, an enthusiastic crowd, and a sense throughout that we were part of a truly special night for cricket lovers.
From the moment the lights dimmed and the chant of “Oh, Jimmy, Jimmy / Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy Anderson” echoed around the venue, the tone was set. England’s greatest fast bowler was greeted like a hero, and for good reason. Interviewed by his friend, writer and cricket fan Felix White – also his Tailenders podcast co-host and former Maccabees guitarist – Anderson was relaxed, funny and completely at ease.
The format mixed conversation, film clips and audience questions, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and insight. Video highlights of Anderson’s greatest wickets, and a few rare batting moments, drew cheers from across the audience, which ranged from school pupils in cricket kit to seasoned fans who have followed his two-decade career.
Anderson came across as a genuine cricket enthusiast, still obsessed with the art of bowling even at 43. He spoke about his determination to keep practising, his enjoyment of tinkering with new deliveries, and how the simple act of sending down a good ball still gives him a thrill.
He reflected on his early days at Lancashire, when he was desperate to impress, and on the captains he has played under – with Nasser Hussain earning particular praise as someone who trusted and challenged him in equal measure. There was also a typically honest take on England’s rivalry with Australia, including a few affectionate digs and plenty of sledging tales that had the audience in fits of laughter.
Anderson’s understated sense of humour was one of the evening’s highlights. His delivery – often deadpan, occasionally mischievous – gave even well-known anecdotes a new spark. He was generous in his praise of teammates past and present, especially Stuart Broad, and open about the mental and physical demands of sustaining a long international career.
The evening also touched on how cricket has changed: the impact of new formats, the challenges of bio-bubbles, and the way sports science has extended careers. Yet through it all, Anderson’s passion for the game shone through. He spoke less like a retiring legend and more like a man still hungry to learn, experiment and compete.
As the event drew to a close, the applause was long and heartfelt. For many, it felt less like watching a sporting icon and more like spending time with a teammate who happens to have taken more Test wickets than any fast bowler in history.
It was, quite simply, a wonderful celebration of cricket and of a man who still embodies its spirit – humble, skilful and endlessly committed to his craft. Judging by the smiles on leaving The Forum, every fan went home reminded of why they fell in love with the game in the first place.
