James Anderson could be given the opportunity to extend his legendary career by joining Surrey after leaving Lancashire. The 44-year-old, who will turn 45 in July, was not offered a new contract by the county where he spent 25 years and became England's all-time leading wicket-taker with 704 Test wickets in 188 matches and 911 international wickets overall.
Anderson recently told the Tailenders podcast he would "potentially" like to play county cricket next season, though nothing has been decided or signed. Since his exit from Lancashire, several clubs from both County Championship divisions have expressed interest in the seamer.
A move to The Oval would appear to suit both player and county. Surrey have the financial means to sign Anderson and his addition would bolster a squad that includes nine England centrally contracted players, among them frontline seamers Gus Atkinson, Matthew Fisher and Henry Crocombe. Crocombe, a new arrival from Sussex, and Fisher have received England deals for the first time.
For Anderson, joining a county with Surrey's depth would allow a managed workload, potentially avoiding the need to move from his home in Cheshire. It would also give him a chance to challenge for the County Championship title. With Surrey and Lancashire in different divisions, he would not face his boyhood club.
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart was in the England team when Anderson made his ODI debut against Australia in Melbourne in 2002. Anderson first played List A cricket in 2000 as a 17-year-old for the Lancashire Cricket Board. In addition to his international records, he claimed 443 first-class wickets for Lancashire, 83 in List A cricket and 50 in T20s. Last season, as Lancashire captain, he took 50 Championship wickets at an average of 17 despite the county finishing second-bottom of Division Two.
Speaking on the podcast, Anderson said he was "sad" and "shocked" to be told he was no longer required at Old Trafford, but added: "I am sad the way it ended with the club I supported as a kid, but now I have thought about it I am quite excited for the future. I am always going to support Lancashire."
