Sir James Anderson has committed to another season with Lancashire, signing a one-year contract after a busy return to domestic cricket.
The 43-year-old, England’s leading Test wicket-taker, took 17 wickets in six County Championship appearances last season after retiring from international cricket the previous summer. He also returned to T20 action following a decade away, helping Lancashire Lightning reach Blast Finals Day and appearing for the Manchester Originals in The Hundred.
Anderson said he is pleased to remain at the club that has been his home since his teens, that he still gets a buzz playing at Emirates Old Trafford, and that he feels he has plenty to offer in both red- and white-ball formats. He added he is eager to keep performing, to help the squad develop, and to back Crofty in his new role as Lancashire push for promotion and trophies in 2026.
Anderson made his Lancashire debut in 2001 and will turn 44 next July. He captained the county in red-ball cricket this year and was recently knighted for services to cricket at Windsor Castle. He brought an end to his England career with a farewell Test against the West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024 and finished on 704 Test wickets — a record for a fast bowler and the most by any non-spinner. Only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne have more Test scalps.
After trying a consultancy coaching role with England, Anderson stepped down this summer to focus on playing for Lancashire.
Director of cricket performance Mark Chilton praised Anderson’s decision to stay, saying his 2025 performances underline why he remains among the finest bowlers in the game. Chilton highlighted Anderson’s skill, competitiveness and leadership, noting the positive influence he had on standards and on the dressing room when he captained the County Championship side in the second half of last season. Having Anderson with the club into 2026, he said, is a major boost for everyone at Emirates Old Trafford.