An hour before the toss, the 19-year-old was told he would also make his NSW debut in Friday's one dayer against Victoria at the ground.
Anderson was invited to travel with the NSW team for their Sheffield Shield game earlier this week at the MCG and then this one dayer.
He has not bowled since March due to a back stress fracture and Anderson brought none of his kit.
Playing in a shirt borrowed from fellow teenager Sam Konstas, Anderson took three wickets as NSW easily won by 140 runs.
"It's absolutely nuts. It's just incredible," Anderson said post-match.
"It's definitely unexpected, but a very cool day."
Anderson was brought into the side at the last minute after Test paceman Josh Hazlewood woke up ill.
"He looked terrible this morning," said teammate Matt Gilkes. "He looked like death."
In the midst of watching the Warne stand's unveiling morning and warming up for the game, Anderson had a few minutes to text the family chat group with his big news.
He did not bat as NSW amassed 8-336 from 45 overs, after the match start was delayed because of rain.
Gilkes top-scored with 74 and Steve Smith made a timely 56 ahead of the India series, while Nic Maddinson contributed 63.
Because that's why 😉 — Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) #vicsdoitbetter pic.twitter.com/URMQx30gwlOctober 25, 2024
Peter Siddle took 5-49 - his first five-wicket haul in a domestic one dayer.
Matt Short, who top-scored with 80, belted Anderson in the youngster's first two overs.
But Anderson had his revenge, snaring Short and Glenn Maxwell on the way to 3-37 from six overs.
Chris Green also took three wickets as Victoria were bowled out for 196 in 34.2 overs.
"I got whacked a bit by Short in the first two overs, but I was walking down to fine leg stoked, because I'm on the field with them. It's pretty cool," Anderson said.
Anderson said it was a massive help to have Australian Test captain Pat Cummins and NSW skipper Moises Henriques in his ear.
"Who better to ask, than the best bowler in the world?", Anderson said of Cummins.
"Second spell, I remember coming on to bowl. I was asking him, 'What do you think?' He said the wise words of 'Just keep it simple and bowl you'."
Anderson said he had spent time with Australian paceman Mitch Starc during the Shield game and had learned a lot from him about recovery and preparation.
A national age-group swimmer, Anderson was in the Australian team that won this year's under-19 cricket World Cup.
From the Northern District local club, Anderson has a state rookie contract.
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