Anderson in talks to join Surrey after Lancashire exit
James Anderson was released by Lancashire in October and has not retired. He is now in talks to join Surrey next season, though neither side has commented.
IllustrationThe story so far
On 30 October 2026, Lancashire said it would not renew James Anderson's contract. The 44-year-old, England's leading wicket-taker, said he was sad and shocked and had not decided whether to continue. He took 50 wickets in the County Championship and captained Lancashire last season, but the club finished second bottom in Division Two. He said the decision made him question whether something was fundamentally wrong with him.
By 5 November 2026, Anderson was reported to be in talks to join Surrey next season and extend his career. He has not retired and could play at The Kia Oval, where he took 50 wickets in 16 Tests from 2003 to 2023. Neither Anderson's camp nor Surrey has commented. A move would give him a managed workload and a chance to win the County Championship.
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2 updates · newest first- 5 NovNew development
Anderson in talks to join Surrey after leaving Lancashire
James Anderson is in talks to join Surrey next season and extend his career after being released by Lancashire in October. The 44-year-old England all-time leading wicket-taker has not retired and could play at The Kia Oval, where he took 50 wickets in 16 Tests from 2003 to 2023. Neither Anderson's camp nor Surrey has commented, but a move would give him a managed workload and a chance to win the County Championship.
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- 30 OctNew development
Anderson shocked by Lancashire exit, unsure if career continues
James Anderson says he is sad and shocked by Lancashire's decision not to renew his contract, and has not decided whether to continue. The 44-year-old, England's leading wicket-taker, took 50 wickets in the County Championship and captained Lancashire last season, but the club finished second bottom in Division Two. He said the decision made him question whether something was fundamentally wrong with him.