Sportsupdated 25m ago2 min read
MapJames Anderson Signs With Surrey For 2027 County Championship After Lancashire Contract Exit
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James Anderson signs for Surrey for 2027 County Championship season after Lancashire release. 44-year-old England legend extends career past 45 with new contract at The Oval.
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Anderson joins Surrey for 2027
James Anderson, 44, signed for Surrey to play in the 2027 County Championship after Lancashire decided against offering him a new contract following a 25-year association. Anderson agreed a move to The Oval, and Surrey said the deal is for the 2027 season while it was understood he could play on beyond next year. Anderson said on a special episode of his Tailenders podcast, "Going from thinking I might not play cricket again to having this opportunity - I'm properly buzzing for it," and he added, "I'm just incredibly excited."
Anderson’s record numbers included 704 wickets in 188 Test matches, and the BBC said he is England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker. Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, was named as the person Anderson linked up with after talks, with Stewart described as being in the England team when Anderson made his international debut in 2002.
Lancashire release and reactions
Lancashire released Anderson last month, and Paul Farbrace was described as taking the decision to release him as part of a "rebuild" of the squad. Anderson was forced into international retirement by England in the summer of 2024, then returned to play for Lancashire for two seasons, captaining them this summer. Anderson expressed disappointment at the manner of his departure, saying, "If it was up to me, it wouldn't have ended like this."
Stuart Broad criticised Lancashire’s handling of the situation, describing it as "disrespectful". Anderson had taken 50 wickets at an average of just under 18 in the County Championship in 2026, and Lancashire opted not to renew his contract.
What Surrey hopes next
Surrey said Anderson’s deal is for the 2027 season, and the BBC said there is no official coaching element to the contract while Anderson said he would play white-ball cricket if required. Surrey won the County Championship in 2022, 2023 and 2024, finished second in 2025, and struggled in 2026, briefly flirting with relegation. Anderson’s move reunites him with former England teammate Alec Stewart, and Stewart said, "Jimmy brings quality with the ball."
Anderson’s 50 Championship wickets last season proved he was "still one of the best bowlers in the country," and Surrey’s squad had international aspirations. Surrey were looking for a new head coach after Gareth Batty’s decision to join the staff at Indian Premier League side Chennai Super Kings.