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

England great James Anderson will play county cricket aged 45 after signing a season-long deal with Surrey, weeks after ending his 25-year association with Lancashire.

A 44-year-old player who will be 45 years old in the 2027 season, he was left without a club after Lancashire decided against keeping him following their disappointing campaign in Division 2 of the District Championship.

Anderson, who captained Lancashire last season and scored more than 50 Championship goals, last month expressed regret at the way his long association with his boyhood club ended.

However, the experienced fast bowler is eager to start a new chapter with Surrey where he hopes to contribute on and off the field.

“I still feel I have a lot to offer, taking wickets, trying to help the team win cricket matches. I also think I can bring a lot to the team off the field and help those young players who want to develop their skills and go on and represent their country,” Anderson said.

“It’s an honor 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 expect to challenge for the Championship and I’m excited to be a part of that,” he added.

Anderson also spoke of his fond memories of playing at The Oval, Surrey’s home ground. It was at the venue that he broke Australian Glenn McGrath’s record for most Test wickets by a fast bowler when he dismissed 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 where I have incredibly special memories and I hope to make more next season,” he said.

Surrey’s director of cricket Alec Stewart welcomed the signing and pointed to Anderson’s performances last season as proof he still has a lot to offer.

“We are delighted to bring someone of Sir James Anderson’s caliber to Surrey. Jimmy brings quality with the ball. His 50 Championship wickets last season prove 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. A large part of our squad has international ambitions and will learn a lot from training, playing and being in the same dressing room with Jimmy,” he added.

Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 911 international wickets, including a record 704 in Test cricket. His international career ended in July 2024, but he continues to play county cricket and remains one of the most experienced fast bowlers in the domestic game.

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