Sir Jimmy Anderson, 44, signs for Surrey to continue legendary career - 'I still feel like I have a lot to offer'
By Ben Morse
Updated 12/11/2026 at 11:20 GMT
Sir Jimmy Anderson has signed for Surrey, the county team announced on Thursday, continuing the fast bowler's legendary cricket career which will stretch beyond his 45th birthday. Anderson had become a free agent after Lancashire - whom he played for for 25 years - declined to offer him a new contract.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
There was reportedly a huge amount of interest from multiple county teams in acquiring England's all-time leading wicket-taker, with Surrey eventually acquiring the 44-year-old for the 2027 season.
"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 in his announcement. "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 skillset 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."
While Anderson's deal is just for the upcoming season, the BBC reports that Anderson could continue playing beyond 2027.
Anderson retired from international cricket in 2024, finishing with 911 international wickets, including 704 Test wickets, the most of any Englishman and any fast-bowler in the history of the game.
Last season, Anderson was named Lancashire's captain and took 50 County Championship wickets at an average of under 18.
Anderson has several ties to Surrey and their home ground, the Kia Oval, already.
In 2018, Anderson took his 564th Test wicket for England at the stadium in south London, taking him past Australia's Glenn McGrath for the most number of wickets by a fast bowler in Test cricket.
And when he made his Test debut in 2003, he played alongside Surrey's director of cricket, Alec Stewart.
Stewart himself was full of praise for Anderson following his signing.
"We're delighted to bring someone of the calibre of Sir James Anderson to Surrey," he said. "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.
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"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.
"I'm looking forward to welcoming him to the group and watching him perform in front of our members and supporters at the Kia Oval."
Surrey boast a squad full of international talent, many of whom will have played alongside Anderson at some point over his 21-year England career.
Included among their ranks are Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Jamie Overton, Dom Sibley, Ben Foakes, Chris Jordan and Dan Lawrence.
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