James Anderson is close to prolonging his playing career following talks with Surrey over a contract for the 2027 season.
Anderson, 44, was told last week by Lancashire's new director of cricket Paul Farbrace that he would not be offered a new deal by his boyhood county, this despite taking 50 wickets last term, albeit in a historically poor red-ball campaign for the club. England's leading wicket-taker considered retirement but, following approaches from a number of Division One and Division Two counties, has decided to move elsewhere, having intended on playing on at Emirates Old Trafford.
Conversations between Anderson's representatives and Surrey have taken place, though it is understood nothing has yet been signed. As the richest club in the country, Surrey can make a move down to London as seamless as possible. They also have the benefit of having nine players on central contracts, including Henry Crocombe, whose signing from Sussex coincided with a two-year deal with the ECB. It means there is ample room to accommodate Anderson within the board's prescribed £3.4 million salary cap.
Surrey finished seventh in Division One last summer, a dramatic drop-off after winning three titles between 2022 and 2024. Their experienced bowling duo of Dan Worrall and Jordan Clark managed just eight Championship appearances each while Tom Lawes and Reece Topley battled injury.
They also had limited access to Gus Atkinson and Matt Fisher, both regularly on international duty, a situation Crocombe will likely find himself in next summer, which features an Ashes series. Anderson, who turns 45 next July, would alleviate that issue with a deal that will exclusively tie him to first-class cricket.
Surrey are also on the hunt for a new head coach after Gareth Batty left last month to join Chennai Super Kings. As it happens, Anderson made the first of his 401 international appearances alongside Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart, in an ODI against Australia in December 2002.