James Anderson signs for Surrey: Former Lancashire and England great to continue career at age of 44 in County Championship

England great Sir James Anderson has joined Surrey ahead of the 2027 season in the Rothesay County Championship, continuing his career aged 44.

Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket taker, was released by boyhood club Lancashire in October after over 25 years with the county, a decision he said left him "sad" and "quite shocked" and made him question if there was something "fundamentally wrong with me as a person".

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Upon the announcement of his move to the Kia Oval, Anderson said: "It's an honour to join a club like Surrey and I can't wait to start a new chapter in my career.

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"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, who turns 45 in July of next year, will get the opportunity to add to his haul of 1,193 first-class wickets and perhaps more silverware to a glittering CV that includes four Ashes series victories and the 2010 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

The Burnley-born bowler picked up 50 wickets at an average of 17.68 in County Championship Division Two for Lancashire in 2026.

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His exit from Old Trafford came as the hierarchy, including new director of cricket Paul Farbrace, plot to build an attack for the future after a poor few seasons in red-ball cricket.

Anderson captained Lancashire last term as the county finished second bottom of the second tier, ahead of only Gloucestershire.

Surrey have won the County Championship on 22 occasions, including three in a row from 2022 to 2024. They were runners-up in 2025 but had a disappointing 2026 campaign in which they finished seventh.

Surrey's director of men's cricket, Alec Stewart, said: "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.

"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."

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Anderson - who is poised to play in the Italia T10 for Napoli Knights later this month - was forced into international retirement by England in 2024.

He took four wickets in his final Test, against West Indies at Lord's, to end with 704 wickets across 188 games in the longest format, at an average of 26.45.

He is the most prolific pace bowler in Test history, with only Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne (708) taking more wickets.

Anderson's career timeline

May 2002 - Anderson makes first-class debut for Lancashire; takes his maiden first-class wicket in May, dismissing Ian Ward.

December 15, 2002 - Anderson makes ODI debut for England against Australia in Melbourne, aged 20.

February-March 2003 - Anderson selected in England's squad for 2003 Cricket World Cup, producing match-winning spell against Pakistan. England lose to eventual champions Australia.

May 2003 - Anderson becomes youngest player to take a hat-trick in Lancashire history - the first at Old Trafford for eight years.

May 22, 2003 - Anderson makes Test match debut for England against Zimbabwe at Lord's, still aged 20. Takes five wickets in an innings on debut.

August 2003 - Anderson unanimously voted as England's Young Cricketer of the Year.

September 2003 - Anderson handed central contract with the ECB.

July 2005 - After period out of the England squad, Anderson is recalled for final Test of Ashes series, but fails to make team.

September-December 2006 - After a back stress fracture and six months out, Anderson returns to England side for Ashes series in 5-0 whitewash defeat in late 2006.

January 2007 - Anderson plays in his first T20 International, playing for England against Australia in Sydney.

2009 - Anderson is named one of five Wisden Cricketers of the Year following a standout Test series against in 2009 Ashes victory.

September 2011 - Anderson helps Lancashire win the County Championship title.

July 2014 - Batting at No 11, Anderson makes 81 against India, his highest Test total

March 2015 - Anderson plays his final ODI match for England against Afghanistan in Sydney.

April 2015 - Against West Indies, Anderson becomes England's record Test wicket-taker with his 384th dismissal.

July 25, 2016 - Anderson becomes first fast bowler to take 50 wickets against all other seven major Test-playing nations, Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies.

December 26, 2019 - Anderson becomes ninth cricketer to play in 150 Test matches.

January 5, 2020 - Anderson takes 28th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, overtaking Ian Botham's England record.

March 9, 2024 - Anderson becomes only third player in history to reach 700 career Test wickets

July 2024 - Anderson announces international retirement having played his 188th and final Test match for England against the West Indies at Lord's.

April 2025 - Knighthood | Appointed a Knight Bachelor in recognition of his services to cricket.

2025-2026 - Lancashire Captaincy & Contract. Returned briefly to T20 cricket, signed a one-year extension, and was named Lancashire red-ball captain for the 2026 County Championship season.

October 2026 - Anderson leaves Lancashire after contract not renewed

November 2026 - Joins Surrey ahead of 2027 County Championship season