England's all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson could be given the opportunity to extend his career by joining Surrey. Anderson left Lancashire after not being offered a contract by the county for whom he first played professionally 25 years ago. The 44-year-old, who will turn 45 in July, has stopped short of retiring and recently said he was "excited" about the future.
On the Tailenders podcast, Anderson said he would "potentially" like to play county cricket next season but that nothing has been decided or signed. Several clubs from both divisions of the County Championship expressed interest after his departure from Lancashire. A move to Surrey would make sense for both parties: the club has the financial means to sign him and a squad featuring nine England centrally contracted players, including three frontline seamers. For Anderson, joining Surrey would allow a managed workload, avoid the need to move from his home in Cheshire, and provide a chance to win the County Championship without facing his boyhood club, as Surrey and Lancashire are in different divisions. Anderson played 188 Tests, claiming 704 wickets, and holds the England record with 911 international wickets. Last season, as Lancashire captain, he took 50 Championship wickets at an average of 17.
