After Lancashire exit, James Anderson joins Surrey at 44: Details
What's the story
Former England fast bowler James Anderson isn't stepping away from cricket anytime soon! After Lancashire decided against renewing his contract, the legendary seamer has joined Surrey for the 2027 County Championship. The 44-year-old will continue his professional cricket career with the London-based county following his 25-year association with Lancashire. In 2024, Anderson retired from international cricket with 991 wickets.
Details
Can't wait to start a new chapter: Anderson
Surrey confirmed Anderson's signing on Thursday, November 12, marking a new chapter in his illustrious domestic career.
"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," Anderson said in an official statement.
Twitter Post
Official announcement
🗣️ Jimmy Anderson 🤝 Alec Stewart.
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) November 12, 2026
Welcome to Surrey! 👋
🤎 | #SurreyCricket pic.twitter.com/kUYhew0XGr
Association
Anderson joins Alec Stewart
In Surrey's official post on X, Anderson was seen signing his contract alongside Alec Stewart, the Surrey director of cricket.
Notably, the latter was an active England international when Anderson made his international debut in 2002.
"His 50 Championship wickets last season prove that he is still one of the best bowlers in the country," Stewart praised Anderson on his appointment.
Contract
Lancashire parted ways with Anderson
Last month, Lancashire announced that they will not renew Anderson's contract.
In his emotional message, Anderson wrote, "I've supported Lancashire since I was a kid, and so to get to play for them for 25 years was a dream come true."
He expressed disappointment over how his time at the club ended but wished the players and fans all the best for the future.
Information
Recent numbers with Lancashire
Despite Lancashire's struggles in Division Two of the County Championship, Anderson had a stellar season as the team's captain in 2026. He took an impressive 50 wickets from 11 games at an average of 17.68, as per Cricinfo.
Legacy
Anderson's legacy
Anderson, among the greatest exponents of swing-bowling, made his First-Class debut for Lancashire in 2002 and went on to play 188 Tests, claiming an incredible 1,193 red-ball wickets.
He bowed out in 2024 as the most successful pacer in Test history. With 704 scalps, he is only behind Sri Lanka's Muthiah Muralidaran (800) and Australia's Shane Warne (708).
Anderson also has the third-most wickets (991) across formats and the most by a fast bowler.