Fast bowler James Anderson has expressed disappointment after Lancashire decided not to renew his contract, bringing an end to a 25-year association between England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker and his home county. Anderson, who claimed 704 Test wickets for England, will leave Lancashire as the county look to rebuild their squad for a promotion push from Division Two of the County Championship.

Anderson made 112 first-class appearances for Lancashire, claiming 443 wickets, and was involved in their County Championship title triumph in 2011. He was appointed Lancashire's red-ball captain for the first time in his career in the 2026 season, and took 50 wickets at an average of 17.68 this summer, but the county finished seventh out of eight teams in the second division. In a statement, Anderson said he had supported Lancashire since he was a child, and that playing for them for 25 years was a dream come true.

What Anderson said

Anderson said: I have always found it special walking out to play at Old Trafford and have some incredible memories of doing so, including the honour of being captain. He added: If it was up to me it would not have ended like this, but I wish the players and fans all the best for the future. The 44-year-old's international career ended before this county farewell, but his county numbers this summer show a bowler still taking wickets at a high standard.

Paul Farbrace, Lancashire's incoming director of cricket, said he had spoken to Anderson about ambitions to rebuild the men's squad to secure promotion and then challenge for Division One over the next three to four years. He said the county were keen to begin that rebuild now, in playing squad and professional set-up, and had taken the incredibly difficult decision not to extend Anderson's contract for the 2027 season. Source: Reuters.