England playing XI from James Anderson's last T20I - where are they now?

The legendary James Anderson, who retired from all forms of international cricket after the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's earlier this year, has expressed his hope of making a comeback in T20 franchise cricket. The 42-year-old, who was one of the finest proponents of swing bowling in the world, recently said that he felt his playing days are not behind him and that he still feels he has something to offer.

Anderson is working in a mentorship role with England's bowlers at the moment - he has been doing so since his retirement in the first Test - but he may not be a part of the group in the winter. This leaves room for other - perhaps playing - opportunities.

The ace seamer last played a T20I for England in 2009 against South Africa in Centurion, and it is safe to say that a lot of water has flown under the bridge since. The game, as a whole, has changed drastically.

In this piece, as a throwback moment, we take a look at the players from England's playing XI from Anderson's last T20I, and what they are up to now:

Top-order batters: Joe Denly, Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott

Joe Denly and Sir Alastair Cook - who was also the captain - opened the innings for England in that game. While Denly made a stunning comeback into the English Test side in 2019 after years in the wilderness, he was discarded just as easily by the selectors.

Sir Alastair, on the other hand, called it a day from Test cricket in 2018 but continued to play first-class cricket till the 2023-24 season; he has, however, called it quits now.

Denly, meanwhile, continues to play for his county Kent in first-class cricket. Jonathan Trott, who came in at number three, is the head coach of Afghanistan at the moment, after having last played a first-class game in 2018.

A stunning Test career spanning 55 matches came to an end in 2015 after the Warwickshire man confessed to having mental health issues dealing with the pressure that came with playing professional sport at the international level.

Middle-order batters: Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan and Luke Wright

The charismatic Kevin Pietersen is a pundit on television these days and often gives his two cents about players and matches across the world; he has donned the broadcaster's hat with ease ever since his retirement.

Former England captain Eoin Morgan, who led the country to their maiden ODI World Cup win in 2019, has also become an expert on television these days. He retired from the sport in 2022 and his opinions are often sought after by television programs that seek to dissect unorthodoxy in modern-day cricket.

All-rounder Luke Wright, one of the biggest stars of England's maiden T20 World Cup win in 2009, was shunted out in 2014 but continued to play domestic cricket until 2022. He became a selector for the national team later the same year.

Wicketkeeper and bowlers: Matt Prior, Tim Bresnan, Adil Rashid, Sajid Mahmood

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who was one of the best in the business in his heyday, took to professional cycling after he retired from cricket and even became the CEO and co-owner of a team called One Pro Cycling, which later disbanded in 2018.

Seamer Tim Bresnan, who was known across the world for his knack of picking up wickets when England needed them the most, faced an embarrassing aftermath to his career after admitting to being part of the Yorkshire CCC racism scandal.

In early 2023, Bresnan was found guilty of having used racist slurs during his time at the club; he even apologised to Azeem Rafiq, whom he admitted to having bullied when playing alongside.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid, of course, is the only cricketer from this team who is still playing; he remains a vital member of the English white-ball team, as seen in the T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies earlier this year.

Pacer Sajid Mahmood, who conceded 1-61 in this game in the four overs that he bowled, last played a first-class game in 2014, after having already been discarded by England in 2009. He most recently played for England Champions in the World Championship of Legends held earlier this year.