James Anderson signs season-long deal with Surrey weeks after ending 25-year Lancashire association

James Anderson has signed a season-long contract with Surrey, joining the county weeks after ending his 25-year association with Lancashire.

Lancashire decided not to retain Anderson following a disappointing Division Two campaign, leaving the bowler without a club after he captained the side last season and took more than 50 Championship wickets. He had expressed regret last month over the manner in which his long association with his boyhood club came to an end.

On joining Surrey, Anderson said: "I still feel like I have a lot to offer, taking wickets, trying to help the team win games of cricket. I also think that I can bring a lot to the team off the field and help those young players who are looking to develop their skillset and go on and represent their country." He added: "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 recalled his positive experiences at Surrey's home ground, saying: "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 that I have some incredibly special memories at and I hope to create some more next season." It was at the venue that he surpassed Australia's Glenn McGrath's record for the most Test wickets by a fast bowler, dismissing Mohammed Shami to claim his 564th wicket.

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart welcomed the signing and pointed to Anderson's recent form: "We're delighted to bring someone of the calibre of Sir James Anderson to Surrey. 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," Stewart said. He added: "Jimmy also brings a wealth of experience to the group that all our bowlers will learn from. Much of our squad have international aspirations, and they will learn a great deal from training, playing and being in the same dressing room with Jimmy."

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 has continued to play county cricket and remains one of the most experienced fast bowlers in the domestic game.

The season-long agreement will keep Anderson at Surrey for the 2027 campaign, during which he will turn 45.