Sir James Anderson will continue his storied career in 2027 after signing to play for Surrey in Division One of the County Championship.

Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket taker, was controversially released by home county Lancashire last month which fuelled talk of possible retirement.

But, amid strong interest from multiple clubs for his services, the 44-year-old will play on after agreeing a red-ball deal at the Kia Oval.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed cricket news you need, subscribe to The Cricket Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day

New chapter

“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.

“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.”

Anderson revealed he was “sad” and “quite shocked” after learning of Lancashire’s decision not to offer him a new contract as part of a squad rebuild, despite leading the side and claiming 50 Championship wickets during the last campaign, in which they finished second-bottom of Division Two.

Speaking on a special episode of his Tailenders podcast Anderson, who will turn 45 midway through next season, added: “There was a bit of emotion in that few days.

“I was really conscious on not making a decision based on that emotion, so that’s why I have taken a few weeks to try to get my ahead around everything and decide what the best way forward is.

“Going from thinking I might not play cricket again to having this opportunity – I’m properly buzzing for it.

“I’m not doing this for a send-off. That’s not the reason I’ve signed for Surrey.

It’s the chance to play in Division One again, which I haven’t done for a few years. I just thought it was a really exciting challenge to try to take on.

“Finding a club that wants me and has that same motivation to win trophies – I just want to be a part of something.”

Still one of the best

Anderson played 16 of his 188 Test matches at The Oval, and it was on that ground where he dismissed India’s Mohammed Shami in 2018 to overhaul Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563 wickets and become the most prolific seamer in Test cricket history.

Anderson, who has taken 1,193 first-class wickets, had also made his Test match debut alongside Surrey’s director of cricket Alec Stewart in 2003.

“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,” said Stewart.

“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.”

Surrey won the County Championship three times in a row between 2022-2024 but after narrowly missing out to Nottinghamshire in 2025, then struggled in 2026 and briefly flirted with relegation.

Anderson joins a bowling attack which includes England internationals Gus Atkinson, Matthew Fisher and fellow new arrival Henry Crocombe.