England cricket legend James Anderson will continue his professional career at age 45 after signing a season-long deal with Surrey. The agreement follows the conclusion of his 25-year tenure at his boyhood county, Lancashire, which opted not to renew his contract for the upcoming season.
Anderson, 44, expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating he still feels he has significant contributions to make on the field. “I still feel like I have a lot to offer, taking wickets, trying to help the team win games of cricket,” the pacer said in a press release. He added that he looks forward to mentoring younger players, noting his intent to assist them in developing their skills to potentially represent their country.
The move to Surrey places the veteran bowler in a Division One side with strong ambitions for the County Championship. Surrey, which holds nine players on central ECB contracts, sought Anderson after his notable performance last season, during which he claimed 50 wickets in 11 matches for Lancashire with an average of 17.68. Despite Lancashire finishing second-bottom in Division Two, Anderson was named the club’s Championship Player of the Year.
Surrey’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart, lauded the signing, describing Anderson as one of the best bowlers in the country. Stewart noted that the squad’s younger bowlers stand to gain substantial experience from training and sharing a dressing room with a player of Anderson’s calibre. The veteran cricketer, who previously expressed disappointment regarding his departure from Lancashire, remarked that the Kia Oval has always been one of his favourite grounds to play at.
Key facts
- James Anderson signed a one-year deal with Surrey for the 2027 season.
- Anderson took 50 wickets for Lancashire last season, averaging 17.68.
- The bowler is 44 years old and will turn 45 during the 2027 season.
- Surrey currently competes in the County Championship Division One.
- Anderson is England's all-time record wicket-taker in Test cricket.
Why it matters
The signing provides Surrey with a high-calibre veteran to anchor their bowling attack as they aim for another Championship title. For Anderson, the move offers a chance to continue playing at a top-tier level following his surprise exit from Old Trafford, allowing him to extend a career that saw his international tenure conclude in July 2024.
Background
Anderson spent a quarter of a century at Lancashire, where the club named a stand at its Old Trafford ground in his honour. He has previously achieved significant milestones at The Oval, including surpassing Glenn McGrath’s record for the highest number of wickets taken by a pacer in Test cricket.
Source: The Hindu, Indian Express
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