Unstoppable at 43: James Anderson to play first-class cricket after signing new Lancashire deal - 'Got plenty to offer'

England's record-breaking fast bowler James Anderson has signed a one-year contract extension with Lancashire County Cricket Club, ensuring he will continue playing first-class cricket past his 44th birthday in 2026.

The deal comes after his effective retirement from international cricket last year.Anderson will play in both the County Championship and T20 Blast formats for Lancashire at Old Trafford, where the Pavilion End has been renamed the 'James Anderson End' in his honour. The ground shares its name with the nearby Manchester United football stadium.The veteran paceman claimed 17 wickets in six Rothesay County Championship matches and made a successful return to T20 cricket in the Blast last season, his first T20 appearance in a decade.

His performances earned him a spot with Manchester Originals in the Hundred competition."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," Anderson said on Thursday.The swing bowling specialist was moved away from the England team as management sought to refresh their bowling attack ahead of the Ashes series in Australia.

He briefly served in a consultancy coaching role with England in 2025 before returning to play for Lancashire.Anderson's illustrious career includes 704 Test wickets, the highest tally for any fast bowler in Test cricket history. His achievements place him behind only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne in the all-time Test wicket-takers list.The new contract will extend Anderson's professional cricket career to 25 years.