James Anderson Signs New Deal to Play Another Year for Lancashire

James Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, has agreed to play another season for Lancashire after signing a new one-year contract. The fast bowler retired from international cricket in 2024, but he continues to enjoy playing domestic cricket and believes he still has more to offer the team. His new deal will keep him at the club through the 2026 season, adding another year to his already long and successful career.

In the 2025 County Championship, Anderson took 17 wickets in six matches. This strong performance showed that age has not stopped him from being one of the most skilled bowlers in English cricket. His accuracy, swing, and experience continue to trouble batters, and his presence remains important for Lancashire in red-ball cricket. Many fans were impressed to see him performing at a high level even at the age of 43.

Another major moment for Anderson was his return to T20 cricket after ten years. He featured in the T20 Blast for Lancashire Lightning and helped the team reach Finals Day. He also played for Manchester Originals in The Hundred. His ability to adapt to the faster, shorter format proved that he still has the competitiveness and energy needed for modern cricket. Younger players often looked up to him for guidance during these tournaments.

After signing the new contract, Anderson expressed his happiness about continuing with Lancashire. He said the club has been his home since he was a teenager, and he still feels excited every time he plays at Emirates Old Trafford. He added that he enjoyed his cricket throughout the year and still feels motivated to perform well for the team. According to him, he is just as hungry to succeed as he was earlier in his career.

Anderson said he believes the team has a strong and talented squad, and he wants to help them grow further. He is also looking forward to supporting the team’s new leadership as they aim for trophies and strong results in the 2026 season. He mentioned that contributing to the team’s success in both red-ball and white-ball cricket gives him great joy.

Anderson has played for Lancashire since his debut in 2001. He will turn 44 next July, but he continues to maintain high fitness levels and strong bowling form. Last season, he even captained Lancashire in red-ball cricket for part of the County Championship. His leadership helped guide several younger players, and his calm style brought stability to the squad during important matches.

Recently, Anderson received a knighthood for his services to cricket. The honour was presented to him at Windsor Castle, showing the respect he has earned over a long and successful international career. With 704 Test wickets, he remains the most successful fast bowler in cricket history. Only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne have taken more wickets, and both of them were spin bowlers.

Although Anderson briefly worked with the England team as a bowling consultant, he stepped away from the role to focus on playing for Lancashire. He said that at this moment, he still wants to give his full energy to cricket on the field rather than move fully into coaching.

Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, said the club is delighted to have Anderson for another year. He praised Anderson’s skill, spirit, and professionalism, saying that these qualities continue to inspire the team. Chilton added that Anderson made a strong impact when he captained the side during the second half of the season, and having him stay for 2026 will be a huge benefit to the squad.

On the same day, Yorkshire announced that Jonny Bairstow has signed a new three-year contract extension. Bairstow, who has played 100 Test matches for England, said he is proud to continue playing for the club where he spent his entire career. Yorkshire officials said Bairstow remains one of England’s best batters and will continue to play a major role for the team.

With both Anderson and Bairstow committing to new deals, county cricket fans have welcomed the news as a positive step for the coming season.