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England's pace legend James Anderson is not ready to hang up his boots yet. Following a controversial exit from Lancashire, his boyhood club, which did not let him retire, Anderson is set to represent Surrey in the 2027 County Championship.
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"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. "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."
Anderson got the call from England’s legendary wicketkeeper Alec Stewart, Surrey’s Director of Cricket. In 2003, Anderson made his Test debut when Stewart was still keeping stumps. Stewart ended up retiring in 2003 while Anderson played Tests for 21 more years.
"It was a great phone call to get," he added. "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."
Anderson ready to win the title
In the previous edition of County Championship Division One, Surrey finished seventh on the points table. They managed to avoid the relegation sword and look to get back to their best with Anderson as a bowler and mentor for bowlers. His role will be crucial, especially with head coach Gareth Batty’s exit to join five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) coaching staff.
"I still feel like I have a lot to offer, taking wickets, trying to help the team win games of cricket," he said. "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."
Lancashire won their last County Championship Division One title in 2011. Since 2024, they’ve been playing in Division Two. Meanwhile, Surrey registered a hat-trick of title wins from 2022-2024. They also finished as runner-ups in the 2025 edition. Anderson is happy to join a side where he has a chance to win the championship.
"It's been a while since I've had a chance to try and win the Championship, being the first division," the 44-year-old said. "I've got to show that I've still got the quality and the ability to try and break into this team or help out where I can, [but] that's just something that I'm absolutely relishing next season."
Anderson’s record at Surrey’s home
Anderson has a decent Test record at Kennington Oval, London, Surrey's homeground. From 16 Tests, he has 50 wickets at an average of 33.88. But he does not have a Test five-wicket haul at the venue. In the ODI format, he bagged a hat-trick at the venue against Pakistan.
"I've always loved playing at the Kia Oval," Anderson added. "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."
Stewart sees what Farbrace ignored, excited to see the swing in Surrey
While the new leadership at Lancashire, Paul Farbrace did not see a future with Anderson as part of the squad after a seventh-place finish in Division Two, Stewart pointed out the veteran pacer’s numbers in the previous season. The 63-year-old is excited to see Anderson bowl for Surrey.
"I've always loved playing at the Kia Oval," Anderson added. "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."
"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 the Kia Oval," he added.
Anderson was the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the County Championship 2026 Division T20 and second-highest for Lancashire. From 11 games, he claimed 50 wickets at an average of 17.68, featuring a fifer and three four-fers. That is the reason why Lancashire's refusal to renew his contract baffled many as he wasn't a burden on the team and contributed with heaps of wickets.
Anderson's first-class numbers before joining Surrey
Anderson has played 315 first-class games, including 188 Tests. He has 1,193 wickets to his name at an average of 24.25. He has taken 56 five-wicket hauls and 51 four-fers in his red-ball career. Also, he has taken 10 or more wickets
in a first-class match six times.
Who will Anderson help at Surrey?
In the previous season, Surrey did not have a single bowler among the top 10 wicket-takers. Matthew Fisher was their top wicket-taker. In 11 games, he took 37 wickets at an average of 26.51. Considering how Anderson performed in the previous season, he is expected to be among the top 10 wicket-takers in the Division One 2027 season. In addition, he will mentor the likes of Fisher, Daniel Worall, Tom Lawes, Jordan Clark and others.
Anderson to play alongside Nabi at Surrey?
At Lancashire, Anderson hasn't worked with an Indian pacer in County cricket. But he may have the opportunity next season. Auqib Nabi played two games for Surrey last season. If the Indian pacer signs another deal with Surrey, he will have the opportunity to learn from Anderson and share the new ball as well. Nabi took eight wickets for Surrey, including a four-fer against Glamorgan.
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