Anderson Not Done at 44, Signs for Surrey for the 2027 Season

He is 44 and will turn 45 next July, but English pacer James Anderson has no intention of saying goodbye to cricket. The legendary England fast bowler is set to begin a new chapter in county cricket with Surrey.

Anderson, England's highest Test wicket-taker of all time, has signed a contract with Surrey for the 2027 season. After Lancashire did not offer him a new contract, several county clubs showed interest in signing him. The 44-year-old pacer ultimately chose the Oval-based club, Surrey.

After joining his new team, Anderson said he had thought he might not play cricket again. Coming from that position to receive this opportunity, he said, he is truly thrilled.

Anderson left Lancashire only last month, ending a long 25-year association with the club. It was for Lancashire that he made his professional cricket debut back in 2001.

Playing for England, Anderson took 704 wickets in 188 Tests. He stands third on the list of highest wicket-takers in Test history, and among pace bowlers he is at the very top.

His total in international cricket is 991 wickets, the most for England and also a record among pace bowlers. He retired from international cricket in 2024 but continued playing county cricket.

Last season Anderson took 50 wickets for Lancashire and also captained the side. He will now bring that experience to Surrey.