James Anderson joins Surrey after Lancashire axe
James Anderson joins Surrey after Lancashire axe
Nick HoultThu, November 12, 2026 at 9:18 AM UTC
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Sir James Anderson is unveiled as a Surrey player - Getty Images/Ben Hoskins
James Anderson will continue his playing career and have one more tilt at winning the County Championship after joining Surrey for the 2007 season.
Surrey have announced the signing of Anderson, who was released by Lancashire last month after nearly 25 years service. He will see out his career at the Oval, after Surrey beat off competition to sign the 44-year-old record wicket-taker.
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. Surrey have a great squad and are a team that expects to be fighting for Championship titles and I’m excited to be a part of that.
“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 skills and go on and represent their country.
“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 will now call The Oval home - Getty Images/Ben Hoskins
Telegraph Sport also understands that England bowler Ollie Robinson is on the verge of agreeing a three-year deal to move from Sussex to Nottinghamshire.
Anderson decided to carry on playing following interest from a number of clubs and the thought of crowning his career by winning the Championship with Surrey.
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Surrey have the funds to sign Anderson and with nine players on central contracts were in the market for a bowler who will be available all summer, although in his case his workload will need to be managed.
Anderson dropped hints a couple of weeks ago that he was thinking of carrying on after digesting the disappointment of being released by Lancashire.
With Surrey in Division One, there is no chance of Anderson coming up against Lancashire next season but if he bowls well at the Oval and his old county struggle, it will put pressure on those who decided to let him leave.
Alec Stewart, the Surrey director of cricket, was an England player when Anderson made his international debut in 2002 and moved quickly when alerted to his potential availability next year.
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.”
Anderson’s love for playing has not dimmed and he told the Tailenders podcast on the BBC last week: “I am sad the way it ended with the club I supported as a kid, but now I have thought about it I am quite excited for the future,” he said.
Source: “AOL Sports”
