England great James Anderson is set to extend his playing career past the age of 44 by signing a contract extension to play for Lancashire in 2026.

Seamer Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, agreed a year-long deal at Old Trafford for the 2025 season after retiring from international cricket in 2024.

He took 17 wickets in six County Championship matches, but his performances in the shortest form of the game were particularly impressive.

Playing T20 cricket for the first time in 10 years, Anderson took 20 wickets in Lancashire’s run to Blast finals day, form that earned him a deal with Manchester Originals in The Hundred – his first experience of franchise cricket.

Anderson also captained Lancashire in the County Championship, a role he could resume in 2026.

The new deal will extend Anderson’s professional career to 25 years, having made his debut for Lancashire in 2001. He will turn 44 in July of next year.