Lancashire Re Sign Sir James Anderson as Red Rose Legend Commits to 2026 Season
©Lancashire Cricket
Lancashire Cricket is pleased to confirm that Sir James Anderson has agreed a new one year deal, extending his remarkable 25 year career with the Red Rose through the 2026 season.
After retiring from international cricket in 2024, Anderson initially signed a one year contract for 2025. He went on to claim 17 wickets in six County Championship matches at an average of 24, reaffirming his enduring quality as Englands all time leading wicket taker.
His return to the Vitality Blast last season his first involvement in the competition in over ten years was equally impressive. Anderson captured 14 wickets at an economy rate of 6.9, playing a key role in Lancashire Lightnings run to Finals Day.
Now 43 years old, Anderson surpassed 300 First Class appearances last summer and enters the 2026 campaign aiming to build on his remarkable haul of 1143 wickets in the format.
The Red Rose legend, who debuted for Lancashire in 2001, has once again committed to featuring in both the Rothesay County Championship and the Vitality Blast in the upcoming season.
??? @jimmy9 sat down with #LancsTV after he put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the Club.
Watch the full interview: https://t.co/PG5TMg8OGv
?? #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/XKSaWoTKgS
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) November 13, 2025
Speaking about his new contract, Anderson said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
James Anderson celebrates a wicket
©Lancashire Cricket
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.
“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.
“In addition to the consistency of his red ball performances, for Jimmy to come in from the cold in terms of T20 cricket and play such an effective role in our Vitality Blast campaign at 43 years of age was remarkable.
“Having him continue with us into 2026 is fantastic news for our Members and supporters and a huge boost for everyone at Emirates Old Trafford ahead of next season.”
© Cricket World 2025
