England record signing James Anderson has signed a one-year contract with 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 contention 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 seam bowler hasn’t played since his last match against England against the West Indies last summer, but he has always been keen to continue playing somewhere, even entering the Indian Premier League auction before being overlooked by the 10 franchises.
Anderson ‘excited’ hopes to ‘get going’
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 return to professional cricket.
“This club has played a huge role in my life since I was a teenager, so to have the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help the team in red and white ball cricket is something I will love. really looking forward to it.
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Anderson discussed his new role in the England coaching staff following his retirement from international cricket
“I have worked hard to keep my fitness levels high and continue to play regularly during my coaching tenure with England throughout the winter, with the aim of being able to hit the ground running when the county season begins in April.
“I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford and having the chance to come out and play in front of our members and supporters again this summer will be really special.”
Anderson’s most recent first-class appearance for Lancashire came in June when they won 7-35 against Nottinghamshire at Southport.
Lancashire begin their County Championship Division 2 campaign against Middlesex at Lord’s on Friday April 4, with their Vitality Blast season kicking off at home to Worcestershire on Thursday May 29.
Anderson made his first-class debut for Lancashire in 2002
Lancashire: Playing remains Anderson’s top priority
Anderson will be part of England’s coaching squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in February and March, but no agreement has yet been reached for him to continue in that capacity until the summer.
Lancashire’s director of cricket performance Mark Chilton insists playing for Lancashire will be Anderson’s “first priority”.
He said: “We have had an open dialogue with Jimmy since his international retirement and our position has been clear from the start. It is fantastic news for everyone connected with the club that he has chosen to continue his career player with Lancashire.
“Speaking to Jimmy recently, it became clear that his desire to return to playing professional cricket was growing stronger every day and that he was just desperate to get back on the park.
Anderson last played a T20 match in 2014
“As it stands, he is fully committed to the county season, both the County Championship and Vitality Blast this summer, and while we all recognize he will have other opportunities, he made it clear that acting was his first priority.
“Being able to share a dressing room with England’s all-time greatest wicket-taker and one of cricket’s greatest players is incredible for our team and I am confident that our members and supporters, as well as cricket fans across the world, will do so. I would be equally delighted to see Jimmy in action for Lancashire next summer.
