James Anderson signs for Surrey weeks after ending 25-year stint at Lancashire

England great James Anderson will play county cricket at age 45 after signing a season-long deal with Surrey on Thursday, weeks after ending his 25-year stint at Lancashire.

“I still feel like I have a lot to offer,” Anderson said, “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.”

Last month, Anderson expressed regret at how his time at boyhood county Lancashire — at whose Old Trafford ground he has a stand named after him — came to an end.

He is aged 44, and will turn 45 during the 2027 season.

Anderson is England’s all-time record wicket-taker. His international career ended in July 2024.

It was at The Oval — Surrey’s home ground — where Anderson passed Australia great Glenn McGrath’s tally for the highest number of wickets taken by a pacer in test cricket, by bowling Mohammed Shami for his 564th wicket.

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said the team was delighted to sign a player of Anderson’s calibre.

“His 50 championship wickets last season prove that he is still one of the best bowlers in the country,” Stewart said.

“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.”