James Anderson joins Surrey weeks after ending 25-year Lancashire stint

England great James Anderson will continue playing county cricket in 2027 after signing a season-long deal with Surrey, weeks after ending his 25-year association with Lancashire.England great James Anderson signs for Surrey weeks after ending 25-year stint at Lancashire (PTI Photo)New Delhi,Nov 12, 2026 15:53 ISTEngland great James Anderson is set to play county cricket at 45 after signing a season-long deal with Surrey, weeks after ending his 25-year association with Lancashire.The 44-year-old, who will turn 45 during the 2027 season, was left without a club after Lancashire decided against retaining him following their disappointing campaign in Division Two of the County Championship.Anderson, who captained Lancashire last season and claimed more than 50 Championship wickets, had expressed regret last month over the manner in which his long association with his boyhood club came to an end.However, the veteran fast bowler is keen to begin a new chapter with Surrey, where he hopes to contribute both on and off the field. "I still feel like I have a lot to offer, taking wickets, trying to help the team win games of cricket. I also think that I can bring a lot to the team off the field and help those young players who are looking to develop their skillset and go on and represent their country," Anderson said."It's an honour to join a club like Surrey and I can't wait to start a new chapter in my career. Surrey have a great squad and are a team that expects to be fighting for Championship titles and I'm excited to be a part of that," he added. Anderson also spoke about his fond memories of playing at The Oval, Surrey's home ground. It was at the venue that he surpassed Australia's Glenn McGrath's record for the most Test wickets by a fast bowler, dismissing Mohammed Shami to claim his 564th wicket."I've always loved playing at the Kia Oval. For me it's one of the best grounds in the world. It's a place that I have some incredibly special memories at and I hope to create some more next season," he said.Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart welcomed the signing, pointing to Anderson's performances last season as evidence that he still has plenty to offer."We're delighted to bring someone of the calibre of Sir James Anderson to Surrey. Jimmy brings quality with the ball. His 50 Championship wickets last season prove that he is still one of the best bowlers in the country," Stewart said."Jimmy also brings a wealth of experience to the group that all our bowlers will learn from. Much of our squad have international aspirations, and they will learn a great deal from training, playing and being in the same dressing room with Jimmy," he added.Anderson is England's all-time leading wicket-taker, having claimed 911 international wickets, including a record 704 in Test cricket. His international career came to an end in July 2024, but he has continued to play county cricket and remains one of the most experienced fast bowlers in the domestic game.- Ends