JIMMY Anderson said it was an “honour” after signing for Surrey for the 2027 County Championship season.
Anderson, 44, left Lancashire after the end of their 2026 Division 2 campaign.
Anderson made his Test match debut in 2003, alongside his new director of cricket Alec Stewart, and had a 21-year international career when he cemented his position as the greatest English bowler of all-time. Anderson has 911 international wickets, including 704 Test match wickets, the most of any Englishman and any fast-bowler in the history of the game.
It was at the Kia Oval in 2018 that Anderson passed Australian great Glenn McGrath’s tally for the highest number of wickets taken by a fast bowler in Test cricket, bowling Mohammed Shami to take his 564th wicket.
Having played his last international match in 2024 against the West Indies, he was subsequently knighted for his services to cricket in 2025. He continued his domestic career with home county Lancashire and was named captain for the 2026 season, when he took 50 wickets at an average of just under eighteen.
“It’s an honour to join a club like Surrey and I can’t wait to start a new chapter in my career,” Anderson said. “Surrey have a great squad and are a team that expects to be fighting for Championship titles and I’m excited to be a part of that.
“I still feel like I have a lot to offer, taking wickets, trying to help the team win games of cricket. I also think that I can bring a lot to the team off the field and help those young players who are looking to develop their skillset and go on and represent their country.
“I’ve always loved playing at the Kia Oval. For me it’s one of the best grounds in the world. It’s a place that I have some incredibly special memories at and I hope to create some more next season.”
Stewart added: “We’re delighted to bring someone of the calibre of Sir James Anderson to Surrey. Jimmy brings quality with the ball. His 50 championship wickets last season prove that he is still one of the best bowlers in the country.
“Jimmy also brings a wealth of experience to the group that all our bowlers will learn from. Much of our squad have international aspirations, and they will learn a great deal from training, playing and being in the same dressing room with Jimmy.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming him to the group and watching him perform in front of our members and supporters at the Kia Oval.”
The Rothesay County Championship will return in April 2027.
