England great and their leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson is reportedly set to extend his professional career with Lancashire through the 2026 season, according to BBC reports.
The 43-year-old, who retired from international cricket in 2024, had already agreed to a one-year contract for the 2025 season. The extension will allow him to play past his 44th birthday and continue contributing to Lancashire in both the County Championship and T20 competitions.
Anderson’s 2025 season demonstrated that age has not diminished his effectiveness. Despite missing the first five County Championship matches due to a calf injury, he returned in time for Lancashire’s drawn fixture against Derbyshire. Across six Championship games, he claimed 17 wickets, providing crucial breakthroughs and maintaining his reputation as a reliable seam bowler. Beyond the longer format, Anderson made a return to T20 cricket after a decade-long absence, taking 20 wickets during Lancashire’s run to the Vitality Blast Finals Day. His performances earned him a deal with Manchester Originals in The Hundred, marking his first involvement in franchise cricket.
Leadership has also been a key part of Anderson’s value to Lancashire. During the 2025 season, he captained the side in the absence of Marcus Harris, demonstrating his tactical awareness and mentoring younger bowlers. A contract extension would allow him to resume this leadership role in 2026, ensuring continuity for the club’s bowling unit. Having made his Lancashire debut in 2001, Anderson will extend a domestic career spanning over 25 years, making him one of the longest-serving professionals in English cricket.
Internationally, Anderson concluded his career with 704 Test wickets, ranking third on the all-time list behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. Following his retirement from England duties, he briefly served as a bowling consultant for the national team before stepping back to focus solely on Lancashire. His experience and consistency will continue to provide stability on the field, as well as guidance for emerging bowlers in both red-ball and white-ball formats.
According to reports, the 2026 contract extension confirms Anderson’s intent to remain competitive and influential in English domestic cricket. For Lancashire, retaining their all-time leading seam bowler ensures both performance and leadership continuity, reinforcing the club’s plans for the upcoming seasons.