"If it was up to me it wouldn't have ended like this."
James Anderson told fans after Lancashire opted not to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
England's all-time leading wicket-taker assumed captaincy of the red ball side midway through 2025 and has performed extremely well with the ball all the way through the summer. The 44-year-old took 50 wickets at an average of less than 18 and is set to receive Lancashire's Player of the Year award.
Despite his 25-year association with the club coming to an end, there is currently no indication of retirement, with reports that other counties are interested in bringing him in for the 2027 campaign.
Leicestershire
It wasn't quite to be for Leicestershire last season; relegated back to division two just one year back in the top-flight. The Foxes probably played well enough to avoid the drop, however, a points deduction that they received following a breach of pitch regulations ultimately sealed their fate.
With no one able to take 40 wickets, their bowling is definitely an area that can improve on and Anderson's inexpensiveness would be of great benefit to someone like Josh Hull, who went at 4.79 in 2026.
The Grace Road faithful will expect that their side go well back in division two and Anderson would be a shrewd pick-up.
Nottinghamshire
Olly Stone was Nottingamshire's outstanding seamer in red ball cricket last season, but the Trent Bridge outfit could probably do with another option up top if they want to wrestle their title back from Warwickshire next year.
Josh Tongue's place in the England side looks absolutely nailed on meaning he will miss the majority of the County Championship campaign and, although he has plenty of promise, Dillon Pennington might not quite be ready to be front and centre of an attack should Stone earn himself an England recall.
Liam Patterson-White's slow left-arm proved effective last campaign, but surely we won't get repeat of the extremely dry, spin-favouring conditions for a second summer running.
Worcestershire
South African all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel waved goodbye to Worcestershire at the beginning of September, leaving a spot free in their bowling attack.
Swanepoel was the Pears' second-highest red ball wicket-taker behind Tom Taylor last season, picking up 31 poles compared to Taylor's 45.
Ben Allison showed bundles of talent when signing off the campaign with career best figures of 11/64 against Derbyshire and the addition of Anderson would provide them plenty of options as they eye a promotion push in 2027.
