James Anderson signs for Surrey after Lancashire release

James Anderson will continue his county career with Surrey after Lancashire declined to renew his contract, giving the 44-year-old fast bowler a chance to play on beyond the 2027 season.

Anderson has signed a red-ball-only deal with the London club. He said he would play white-ball cricket if required, but has not decided how much he will feature. There is no formal coaching role in his contract.

“I’m not doing this for a send-off,” Anderson said on the Tailenders podcast. “I don’t feel like I’m done yet. I feel like I’ve got more to offer on the field.”

The move follows Anderson’s departure from Lancashire, where he made his professional debut in 2001 and captained the side this summer. He took 50 wickets, but Lancashire finished second-bottom of County Championship Division Two. The club’s new director of cricket, Paul Farbrace, released him as part of what he called a “rebuild” of the squad.

Anderson said he took several weeks to consider his future after an emotional few days following the decision. He said the chance to join a strong Surrey side and return to Division One made the move an appealing challenge. He has not decided whether his family will move from Cheshire.

England’s leading Test wicket-taker has 704 wickets in 188 Tests, the third-highest total in the format and the most by a fast bowler. His 911 international wickets are also an England record. He retired from international cricket in 2024 and returned to county cricket with Lancashire.

Surrey, champions from 2022 to 2024, finished second in 2025 before struggling in 2026. Anderson’s arrival adds depth to a seam attack that was affected by injuries, while Surrey also have three pace bowlers on England central contracts. Anderson said he would try to contribute when needed, without knowing how many matches he would play.