England’s record goalscorer James Anderson has signed a one-year deal with Lancashire that will take him into his 24th season with the county.
The 42-year-old has committed to playing in the County Championship and Vitality Blast for the Emirates Old Trafford side this summer and is now in line for his first T20 match since 2014.
Anderson retired from international cricket in July 2024, ending his England career with 704 wickets in 188 Test matches, and has since become a bowling mentor for his country.
The jovial bowler has not played since his last England game against the West Indies last summer but was always keen to continue playing somewhere, even entering the Indian Premier League auction before being overlooked by 10 franchises.
‘Excited’ Anderson hoping to ‘launch’
Anderson, who made his first-class debut for Lancashire in 2002, said of his new deal: “I’m incredibly excited to sign this deal with Lancashire and get back to playing professional cricket.
“This club has played a big part in my life since I was a teenager, so the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help out the red and white ball cricket team is something I’m really looking forward to.
“I have worked hard to keep my fitness at a high level and have continued to bowl regularly while England manager throughout the winter, with the aim of starting to run when the regional season starts in April.
“I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford and to have the opportunity to go out and bowl in front of our members and fans again this summer will be really special.”
Anderson’s last first-class appearance for Lancashire came in June when he took 7-35 against Nottinghamshire in Southport.
Lancashire begin their County Championship Division 2 campaign against Middlesex at Lord’s on Friday 4th April and their Vitality Blast season begins at home to Worcestershire on Thursday 29th May.
Lancashire: Playing remains Anderson’s first priority
Anderson will be part of England’s coaching staff for the ICC Champions Trophy in February and March, but no deal has yet been agreed for him to continue in that role over the summer.
Lancashire’s director of cricket, Mark Chilton, insists playing for Lancashire will be Anderson’s “first priority”.
He said: “We have been in open dialogue with Jimmy since his international retirement and our position has been clear from the outset. It is fantastic news for everyone associated with the club that he has decided to continue his playing career for Lancashire.
“From speaking to Jimmy recently it became clear that his desire to continue playing professional cricket was growing stronger every day and that he was desperate to get back on the park
“As it stands, he is fully committed to the County Championship season and the Vitality Blast this summer, and while we all know he will have other opportunities, he has made it clear that playing is his first priority.
“To be able to share the dressing room with England’s all-time leading wicket-taker and one of cricket’s greatest players is incredible for our team and I have no doubt that our members and supporters, and cricket fans around the world, will be equally delighted to see Jimmy in action for Lancashire next summer.”
