England great Sir James Anderson has joined Surrey ahead of the 2027 season in the Rothesay County Championship, continuing his illustrious career at the age of 44.
Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, was released by his boyhood club Lancashire in October after more than 25 years with the county. The decision left him "sad" and "quite shocked," and he admitted it made him question whether there was something "fundamentally wrong with me as a person."
Despite his departure, the veteran seamer enjoyed a remarkable 2026 campaign with Lancashire, claiming 50 wickets at an average of 17.68 — form that underlined he remains a potent force in first-class cricket. Lancashire, however, finished second-bottom of Division Two.
Anderson's move to Surrey sees him link up with the county that dominated English domestic cricket for much of the decade. Surrey won three consecutive County Championship titles from 2022 to 2024, finished as runners-up in 2025, but endured a difficult 2026 season, finishing seventh.
The signing represents a major coup for Surrey as they look to return to title-winning ways, while giving Anderson the opportunity to add to a first-class career that has spanned more than two decades at the highest level.
Anderson retired from international cricket in 2024 as England's record wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 704 scalps to his name — the most by any fast bowler in the history of the format.
His continued commitment to county cricket at 44 highlights his enduring passion for the game and sets up a fascinating 2027 season, with Anderson donning Surrey colours for the first time after a quarter-century association with Lancashire.