Sir James Anderson is set to continue his cricket career and will join Surrey for the 2027 season of the Rothesay County Championship.

Anderson’s career had been in doubt after Lancashire County Cricket Club decided not to offer the 44-year-old a new contract for next year following a change of leadership behind the scenes.

Anderson captained Lancashire this past season as the club slumped to second bottom place in division two of the County Championship despite England’s greatest ever bowler claiming an impressive 50 wickets across 11 matches at an average of 17.68.

His output shows that there has been little diminishment in his skills as time has gone on and Surrey hope to capitalise on his experience and class by offering him a career lifeline.

Anderson made his Test Match debut in 2003, alongside Surrey’s Director of Cricket Alec Stewart, and took 911 international wickets over a 21-year career at the top of the game. Those include 704 Test Match wickets, the most of any Englishman and any fast-bowler in the history of cricket.

Speaking of his switch to Surrey, 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 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.”

Stweart added: “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.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming him to the group and watching him perform in front of our members and supporters at