England’s record wicket-taker James Anderson has signed a one-year contract at Lancashire which will take him into a 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.
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Check out the four wickets Anderson took in his final Test match for England against West Indies at Lord’s
The seam bowler has not played since his final England game against West Indies last summer but was always keen to continue playing somewhere, even entering the Indian Premier League auction before he was overlooked by the 10 franchises.
‘Excited’ Anderson hoping to ‘hit the ground running’
Anderson, who made his first-class debut for Lancashire in 2002, said of his new deal: “I am incredibly excited to sign this contract with Lancashire and resume playing professional cricket again.
“This club has played a huge part in my life since I was a teenager, so to have the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help the side in both red and white-ball cricket is one that I am really looking forward to.
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Anderson discussed his new role in the England coaching set-up after retiring from international cricket
“I have been working hard on keeping my fitness levels high and continuing to bowl regularly during my time as a coach with England throughout the winter, with the aim of being able to hit the ground running when the county season starts in April.
“I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford and to have the chance to walk out and bowl in front of our members and supporters again this summer is going to be really special.”
Anderson’s most recent first-class appearance for Lancashire came in June when he took 7-35 against Nottinghamshire in Southport.
Lancashire begin their County Championship Division Two campaign against Middlesex at Lord’s on Friday April 4, with their Vitality Blast season getting under way at home to Worcestershire on Thursday May 29.
Anderson made his first-class debut for Lancashire in 2002
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 capacity into the summer.
Lancashire director of cricket performance, 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 start. It is fantastic news for all connected with the club that he has chosen to continue his playing career with Lancashire.
“From speaking to Jimmy recently, it became clear that his desire to resume playing professional cricket was strengthening every day and he was just desperate to get back out on the park
Anderson last played a T20 match in 2014
“As it stands, he is fully committed to the county season across both the County Championship and Vitality Blast this summer, and whilst we all recognise he will have other opportunities, he has made it clear playing is his first priority.
“To be able to share a dressing room with England’s all-time leading wicket taker, and one of cricket’s greatest players, is incredible for our squad and I’ve no doubt that our members and supporters, and cricket fans around the world, will be equally as thrilled to watch Jimmy in action for Lancashire again next summer.”