Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
James Anderson in talks to join Surrey after leaving Lancashire
James Anderson is in talks to join Surrey for next season after leaving Lancashire, the county where he began his professional career.
The 44-year-old England fast bowler was not offered a new contract by Lancashire after more than 25 years with the club.
He took 50 County Championship wickets in 2026, despite Lancashire finishing second from bottom in Division Two.
Surrey can offer him a place in Division One and have several seam bowlers on England central contracts, which could allow them to manage his workload.
Anderson has taken 1,193 first-class wickets and has not ruled out continuing to play, though he had considered retirement after his release.
The move could give him a chance to compete for the County Championship with Surrey, who play at The Oval.
No deal has been confirmed, and Nottinghamshire are also monitoring his situation.
James Anderson is in talks to join Surrey next season after leaving Lancashire, the county he represented for more than 25 years.
The 44-year-old has not retired and could continue playing county cricket after turning 45 in July 2027.
Surrey are understood to have offered him a contract, and the club is confident he may agree to join.
Anderson took 50 wickets in the 2026 County Championship season for Lancashire, at an average of 17.68.
- Who
- James Anderson and Surrey.
- What
- They are in talks about Anderson joining Surrey next season to continue his county cricket career.
- When
- The talks were reported on 5 November 2026, for the 2027 season.
- Where
- Surrey, whose home ground is The Kia Oval in London.
- Why
- Anderson wants to continue playing after leaving Lancashire. Surrey can offer him a chance to play in Division One and compete for the County Championship.
Lancashire's management
Lancashire members and supporters
Reason for the decision
Lancashire's management
Lancashire's director of cricket, Paul Farbrace, said the club was rebuilding its attack and aiming for promotion and a future title challenge.
Lancashire members and supporters
Supporters reacted furiously to the decision not to offer Anderson a new contract, despite his strong season.
Anderson made his Lancashire debut in List A cricket.
Anderson's international career ended after England selected him for his final Test.
Anderson took 50 wickets for Lancashire in County Championship Division Two.
Lancashire released Anderson after more than 25 years with the county.
Reports said Anderson was in talks with Surrey about joining next season.
- Age
- 44; turns 45 in July 2027
- Lancashire service
- More than 25 years
- 2026 County Championship wickets
- 50
- 2026 bowling average
- 17.68
- Surrey home ground
- The Kia Oval
4 sources
Anderson could be given chance to join Surrey
Anderson in talks with Surrey after Lancashire release
Jimmy Anderson in talks with Surrey to continue county career after Lancashire exit
Jimmy Anderson in sensational retirement U-turn: England legend will play on next summer aged 45 as TWELVE counties offer him chance to extend career after Lancashire axe
What people are saying
I am starting to get excited about the future, whether it is something different or playing cricket again. It is exciting.
I am sad the way it ended with the club I supported as a kid but now I have thought about it I am quite excited for the future.
wouldn’t have thought so