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Surrey have reportedly expressed interest in signing retired international star James Anderson, who could get another chance to extend his remarkable career as a legendary England fast bowler. James Anderson has ended his 25-year association with Lancashire, the club where he began his career.
The veteran fast bowler will be 45 in July 2027 and has left Lancashire after the county decided not to offer him a new contract. However, Anderson has not announced his retirement and is still interested in playing cricket. Several clubs have shown interest in speaking with the legendary fast bowler, but there are high chances that he could join Surrey.
Surrey likely to sign James Anderson ahead of County Championship
As reported by the BBC, James Anderson is likely to join Surrey ahead of the County Championship following parting ways with Lancashire. There has been no official comment from either Anderson's team or Surrey but signing the veteran pacer could be a win-win.
Surrey's director of cricket Alec Stewart and Anderson have already shared the England dressing room, and this could play a key role in the high-profile move. Stewart was part of the England team when Anderson made his ODI debut against Australia in Melbourne in 2002.
Additionally, Surrey has the financial strength to bring Anderson into their squad, which already has nine players who have England central contracts. Among them, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Fisher, and Henry Crocombe are frontline fast bowlers who regularly feature in Surrey's Championship plans.
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Surrey's bowling strength could help James Anderson manage his workload
Crocombe recently joined Surrey from Sussex, while both Crocombe and Fisher have received their first England central contracts. Anderson could also benefit from joining a team with several quality bowlers. Surrey may manage his workload and give him a smaller role, allowing him to continue playing without putting too much pressure on his body.
It could also help the former England fast bowler avoid moving away from his home in Cheshire. A move to Surrey would also give Anderson another chance to compete for the County Championship title and finish his incredible career with another major achievement.
Interestingly, Surrey and Lancashire play in different Championship divisions, so he would not have to face his childhood club. Read Also: "Is something wrong with me?": James Anderson reveals emotional struggle after Lancashire snub.
James Anderson's incredible numbers for England and Lancashire
Anderson first played List A cricket in 2000 at the age of just 17 for the Lancashire Cricket Board against Suffolk. Since then, he has built one of the greatest careers in cricket history. He has taken 911 wickets, the highest number by any England bowler or any fast bowler in international cricket.
He has 443 first-class wickets, 83 List A wickets, and 50 wickets in T20 cricket to his name for Lancashire. Even last season, Anderson continued to deliver impressive performances despite Lancashire's struggles.
Anderson captained the side as they finished second from bottom in Division Two of the County Championship. However, Anderson personally enjoyed a strong season, taking 50 Championship wickets at an average of just 17.
