England's legendary fast bowler James Anderson is set to extend his professional cricket career beyond his 45th birthday after signing a contract with Surrey for the 2027 County Championship season.
The 704-Test-wicket veteran will begin a new chapter at The Oval following his departure from Lancashire, ending a 25-year association with his home county. Anderson was released last month after Lancashire decided to rebuild their squad following a disappointing seventh-place finish in Division Two.
Despite considering retirement after the decision, the 44-year-old has opted to continue playing after an impressive 2026 season, during which he claimed 50 County Championship wickets and was named Lancashire's Championship Player of the Year.
At Surrey, Anderson will reunite with director of cricket Alec Stewart, alongside whom he made his England Test debut at Lord's in 2003.
"It's an honour to join a club like Surrey and I can't wait to start a new chapter in my career," Anderson said.
He added that he was excited to join a team with strong ambitions of winning County Championship titles.
Anderson excited about new challenge
Anderson revealed that his long-standing relationship with Stewart played an important role in his decision to join Surrey.
The veteran pacer believes he still has plenty to offer on the field and is keen to help Surrey's younger players develop their skills and progress towards international cricket.
"I still feel like I have a lot to offer, taking wickets, trying to help the team win games of cricket," Anderson said.
He also highlighted his desire to contribute off the field by sharing his experience with emerging fast bowlers.
Surrey have experienced a challenging period after dominating the County Championship in recent years. Following three titles and a second-place finish in their previous four campaigns, the club narrowly avoided relegation from Division One.
The departure of head coach Gareth Batty, who joined Chennai Super Kings, has added to the changes at the club.
Anderson believes his experience could prove valuable as Surrey look to return to the top of English domestic cricket.
Winning trophies remains Anderson's priority
The legendary fast bowler said winning trophies would be his biggest motivation for the 2027 season. He is particularly excited about returning to Division One cricket after Lancashire's struggles in recent campaigns.
Anderson was part of Lancashire's County Championship-winning team in 2011, although international commitments limited him to just two appearances that season. He also helped the county win the Division Two title in 2005, 2013 and 2019.
"It's been a while since I've had a chance to try and win the Championship, being in the first division," Anderson said.
He acknowledged that he would need to prove his quality and earn his place in the Surrey side but described the challenge as something he was looking forward to.
The Oval holds special memories for Anderson
Anderson has enjoyed several memorable performances at The Oval during his international career.
He played 16 of his record 188 Test matches at the venue, taking 50 wickets at an average of 33.18.
One of his most significant achievements came against India in 2018, when he dismissed Mohammad Shami to surpass Glenn McGrath's record of 563 Test wickets by a fast bowler.
Anderson eventually finished his Test career with 704 wickets, placing him third on the all-time list behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
He also recorded an ODI hat-trick against Pakistan at The Oval in 2003.
"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," Anderson said.
Surrey welcome experienced fast bowler
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart expressed his delight at securing Anderson's services, highlighting his outstanding performances and experience.
"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 that Surrey's young bowlers would benefit significantly from sharing the dressing room and training environment with a player of Anderson's experience.
Anderson has confirmed that his contract is primarily focused on County Championship cricket, although he remains available if Surrey require him in either of the white-ball competitions next summer.
With his remarkable longevity, experience and continued ability to take wickets, Anderson's move to Surrey adds another exciting chapter to one of English cricket's greatest careers.
