Sports · Cricket · 15 mins ago
Jimmy Anderson joins Surrey after Lancashire decline to renew his contract
Jimmy Anderson has signed a one-season deal with Surrey after Lancashire did not renew his contract.
The England fast bowler, who is 44 and turns 45 during the 2027 season, had considered retiring after spending 26 seasons as a first-team player at Lancashire.
He took 50 wickets in the 2026 County Championship at an average of 17.68, but Lancashire decided to leave him out as it rebuilds its team.
Anderson said he is sad about how his time at his boyhood club ended, but is excited about the future and will continue to support Lancashire.
At Surrey, he will have the chance to play in Division One and challenge for the title.
His arrival will also add experience to Surrey's bowling attack and could help young fast bowler Tom Lawes.
Anderson's contract is for next season; the account does not say what he will do after that.
James Anderson has signed for Surrey for the 2027 season after Lancashire did not offer him a new contract.
The 44-year-old England fast bowler took 50 County Championship wickets for Lancashire in 2026.
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said Anderson would bring quality and experience to the squad.
Anderson said he still had more to offer and was excited to join a club aiming to win trophies.
The sources differ on Anderson’s international wicket total, reporting either 911 or 991.
- Who
- James Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker.
- What
- He has signed to play for Surrey in 2027 after Lancashire released him.
- When
- The move was announced on 12 November 2026; the Surrey deal is for the 2027 season.
- Where
- Surrey, based at the Kia Oval in London.
- Why
- Anderson said he wanted to keep playing and join a club motivated to win trophies.
Lancashire
James Anderson
Contract decision
Lancashire
Lancashire did not offer Anderson a new contract as part of a squad rebuild.
James Anderson
Anderson said he was sad and shocked by the decision but had taken time before choosing his next step.
Future plans
Lancashire
Lancashire chose to release Anderson after finishing second-bottom of Division Two.
James Anderson
Anderson decided to continue playing for Surrey, saying he still had more to offer.
Anderson was told in a meeting with Lancashire officials that he would not be part of the club’s rebuild.
Anderson took 50 Championship wickets for Lancashire, who finished second-bottom of Division Two.
Surrey announced Anderson’s signing for the 2027 season.
- Age
- 44 at the time of the announcement; Anderson turns 45 in 2027.
- Surrey deal
- For the 2027 season.
- Lancashire wickets
- 50 County Championship wickets in 2026.
- Lancashire finish
- Second-bottom of Division Two in 2026.
- Surrey ground
- The Kia Oval, London.
7 sources
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England legend James Anderson extends playing career by joining Surrey
England legend Anderson, 44, joins Surrey
Sir James Anderson signs for Surrey after Lancashire exit
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Anderson joins Surrey for 2027 season
What people are saying
I'm not doing this for a send-off. That's not the reason I've signed for Surrey.
I still feel like I have a lot to offer, taking wickets, trying to help the team win games of cricket.
Going from thinking I might not play cricket again to having this opportunity - I'm properly buzzing for it.
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.