April 2 (Reuters) - England's all-time leading test wicket-taker James Anderson said he "hated every minute" of his brief stint in The Hundred last summer and that he planned ​to be on holiday when the competition takes place this year.

The ‌43-year-old, who retired from international cricket in 2024, was selected with a wildcard pick by the Manchester Originals in the 2025 season of the 100-ball format but took only ​two wickets in three games.

The fast bowler was not part of ​the auction for the 2026 season, opting instead to focus on ⁠county cricket with Lancashire, who he will captain this year.

Asked why he ​did not return to The Hundred, Anderson told the Independent in an interview ​published on Wednesday: "It was a mixture of hating every minute of The Hundred last year, if I can say that, and especially being (Lancashire) captain this year.

"I think it's really important ​that I focus on being as fit as I can be for the ​four-day stuff.

"When The Hundred's on I'm hopefully going to be on holiday somewhere," added Anderson, ‌who ⁠took 704 wickets in 188 tests for England.

He added that he was determined to guide second-tier side Lancashire back to Division One and did not rule out extending his career further if they earned promotion, despite his age and ​fitness issues.

"I think ​there are times ⁠throughout the winter where I maybe thought about what if we get promoted and we've got a chance to push ​for the championship next year," he said.

"Would I want ​to be ⁠involved in that? And of course I would.

"And then there are other times when I wake up and I struggle to walk to the toilet in the ⁠morning ​and think maybe I can't get another year ​out of my body."

The Hundred will be held from July 21 to August 16, while the County ​Championship begins on Friday.