James Anderson extends professional career at 44 with Surrey County deal

Legendary England seamer James Anderson has decided to extend his professional career, having signed a deal with Surrey for their 2027 County Championship campaign. Recently, Lancashire parted ways with Anderson after a 25-year association.

The club's incoming director of cricket, Paul Farbrace, felt that they needed a ‘rebuild’ after finishing seventh in Division Two, their worst ever in the tournament’s history. 

Anderson had contemplated retirement after being released. However, he decided to make a shift to Oval, after taking 50 wickets in the last season and being named Lancashire's Championship player of the year.

At Surrey, Anderson will link up with Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket, alongside whom he made his Test debut at Lord's in 2003. The veteran seamer expressed excitement for a new chapter in his career.

"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,” said Anderson.

"It was a great phone call to get. I've known Stewie a long time and always got on well with him. So for him to show an interest and want me to come here was great. I felt really proud that that was the case. And after a few weeks of talking to him and mulling it over, I'm just really excited that I've got the opportunity to come here,” he added.

Alec Stewart said he’s delighted to have someone of Anderson’s calibre calling him still one of the best bowlers in England.

"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,” said Stewart.