James Anderson has offered a central contract to extend his England career until '23

Anderson's Test career appears to be far from over. Photo: Reuters/Andrew Boyers

James Anderson's international career looks set to continue into its 23rd year after he was offered a new deal in a central package that includes around 20 multi-year deals.

It is expected that Anderson, 41, had been offered a one-year contract. Around 26 players have been offered central contracts under the changed system, around 20 of them for more than a year, in an attempt to tie up England players and reduce the threat posed by the franchise system.

Anderson offered 690 Test wickets, more than any Englishman or any other seamer, and played international cricket for the first time in 2002. But he endured a quiet Ashes — taking just five wickets at an average of 85 — and watched as his long-time new-ball partner Stuart Broad slipped. ride off into the sunset in the final match of the series at the Oval.

But Anderson was always determined to carry on and his stunning recent performances in India make him an important part of England's attack for the five-Test tour after Christmas.

Anderson played Broad's final Test match at the Oval in the summer. Photo: Getty Images/Gareth Copley

The remaining contracts are mostly for players who are not in demand within the franchise or are nearing the end of their careers, such as Anderson. , for one year.

Notably, England are looking to sign a new generation of all-round fast bowlers such as Josh Tong, Braydon Carse and Gus Atkinson to two-year deals. They hope to be part of their attack on the Ashes tour of Australia in two years' time and appear to have overtaken the Overton brothers and Ollie Stone, who will not be signed.

Last year England offered 18 central contracts and six side deals, but this year all deals are full deals (even if some are of lower value), giving the England and Wales Cricket Board control over their players' workload. Players must now decide whether to accept the deals.

The contract offers follow lengthy discussions over England players' salaries at a sensitive time for the global game. Earlier this year, a number of out-of-contract England players pulled out of the Bangladesh tour because the Pakistan Super League pay was higher. Many players, such as Wood, have faced conflict between clubs and countries ahead of the India tour, which clashes with the lucrative South African and UAE leagues.

During discussions, there was at times tension between players and the ECB. It is understood that the increase in match fees for non-contract players was delayed as those with central contracts were unhappy with the change.