England Legend James Anderson, 44, Signs with Surrey

Legendary England bowler James Anderson has extended his record-breaking career beyond his 45th birthday by signing for Surrey. Anderson, who made his Lancashire debut in 2001, was not offered a new contract by the county for whom he first played professionally 25 years ago.

Anderson, 44, has agreed a move to The Oval, with Surrey stating the deal is for the 2027 season, but it is understood he could play on beyond next year. He said he is excited about the opportunity and is not signing for a send-off.

Anderson said his exit from Lancashire last month was emotional, but he took time to decide what the best way forward was. He wanted to find a club that wanted him and had the same motivation to win trophies.

Anderson has taken 704 wickets in 188 Test matches, sitting third on the all-time list of Test bowlers, with more scalps than any other seamer. He also holds the England record and the record for all pace bowlers with 991 international wickets.

Anderson was forced into international retirement by England in the summer of 2024, then returned to play for Lancashire for two seasons, captaining them this summer. Although he claimed 50 wickets, Lancashire finished second bottom of Division Two of the County Championship.

New Lancashire director of cricket Paul Farbrace took the decision to release Anderson as part of a "rebuild" of the squad. Anderson has signed a red-ball only deal with Surrey, although he said he would play white-ball cricket if required. There is no official coaching element to the contract.

Anderson has not decided if he will relocate his family from their home in Cheshire. He said he felt he wanted to play again after having a good year last year and felt he had more to offer on the field.

Surrey won the County Championship in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The addition of Anderson boosts a seam attack that was often hit with injuries this summer. Anderson also adds depth given Surrey have three pace bowlers centrally contracted by England.