Former England bowler Sir James Anderson has signed a new one-year contract with Lancashire.
England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker picked up 17 wickets in six County Championship games last season following his retirement from international cricket the previous summer.
Anderson took 17 wickets in the County Championship and returned to T20 cricket after a 10-year absence, featuring in the Blast where he helped Lancashire Lightning reach Finals Day and played for the Manchester Originals during The Hundred.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign for another year with Lancashire. This club has been my home since I was a teenager, and I still get the same buzz walking out at Emirates Old Trafford that I did when I made my debut,” the 43-year-old said.
“I’ve really enjoyed my cricket this year and still feel like I’ve got plenty to offer. I’m as hungry as ever to perform and contribute to the team’s success across both red and white ball cricket.
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Michael Atherton sat down with James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar as they discussed the rivalry between England and India ahead of last summer’s Test series
“We’ve got a really talented squad with great ambitions, and I’m looking forward to helping the group continue to develop, while supporting Crofty in his new role as we push for promotion and trophies in 2026.”
Anderson made his Lancashire debut in 2001 and turns 44 next July.
He captained Lancashire in red-ball cricket this year and received his knighthood for services to cricket at Windsor Castle last month.
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James Anderson took another two wickets for Lancashire in the County Championship during their draw at home to Derbyshire
The fast bowler retired from England duty with a farewell Test against the West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024 and finished his international career with 704 wickets, a record for a non-spinner.
Only Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan and Australia’s Shane Warne have taken more but while Anderson has dipped his toes into coaching with a consultancy role with England, he stood down from the position this summer to play for Lancashire.
Lancashire’s director of cricket performance Mark Chilton added: “We’re thrilled that Jimmy has committed to another season with Lancashire. His performances in 2025 showed exactly why he remains one of the finest bowlers in the game – his skill and competitiveness on the field are unmatched.
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Jimmy Anderson had a moment to forget as he prevented Kent’s Joe Denly being run out by knocking the bails off with his hand rather than the ball in the Vitality Blast quarter-final
“Jimmy continues to be an outstanding role model for our players, raising standards every day and it was brilliant to see the impact he made on the dressing room when he stepped into the County Championship captaincy role during the second half of last season.
“Having him continue with us into 2026 is fantastic news and a huge boost for everyone at Emirates Old Trafford ahead of next season.”
