England's greatest fast bowler will play on. Sir James Anderson has signed for Surrey for the 2027 County Championship season, just weeks after being released by Lancashire, the county he served for more than 25 years.

The 44-year-old, who turns 45 in July next year, has agreed a red-ball deal with the Kia Oval club, with the understanding that he could play on beyond next season. The move was announced by Surrey on Thursday, 12 November.

A new chapter at The Oval

Anderson said joining Surrey was an honour and that he could not wait to start a new chapter in his career. He will link up again with Surrey's director of cricket, Alec Stewart, who was in the England side when Anderson made his Test debut at Lord's in 2003.

Anderson was not offered a new contract by Lancashire at the end of the 2026 season, bringing an end to a 25-year association with his home county. The decision fuelled speculation that the Burnley-born bowler might retire, but he attracted strong interest from several counties before choosing Surrey.

A remarkable record

Anderson retired from international cricket in the summer of 2024 as England's all-time leading wicket-taker, with 704 wickets in 188 Test matches. Only two bowlers in history have taken more Test wickets, and no fast bowler has taken more.

He showed he remains a force at county level last season, taking 50 wickets at an average of 17.68 in County Championship Division Two for Lancashire, despite the club finishing second from bottom. He also captained Lancashire during the summer.

Across his first-class career, Anderson has taken 1,193 wickets, a tally he will now have the chance to add to in Division One with Surrey. His honours include four Ashes series victories and the 2010 T20 World Cup.

What it means for Surrey

Surrey have won the County Championship 22 times, including three titles in a row from 2022 to 2024. They finished second in 2025 but endured a difficult 2026 campaign that at one stage brought the prospect of relegation into view.

Anderson's arrival strengthens a seam attack that was frequently disrupted by injury over the summer. The deal is for red-ball cricket only, although Anderson has said he would play white-ball cricket if required. There is no official coaching element attached to the contract.

British media reports say Anderson has signed an initial one-year deal, with the option to extend further. For a bowler who has already rewritten the record books, the next chapter begins at The Oval.