Leeds: The Test teams of England Men's and India Men's will pay tribute to James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar with a newly established trophy that celebrates their extraordinary contributions to Test cricket. The next chapter of this historic rivalry is set to unfold this summer, with the five-match Test series commencing at Headingley on June 20.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a collaborative effort between the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will now symbolize all forthcoming Test series between England and India. In the past, the series held in England was contested for the Pataudi Trophy, while the series in India was played for the Anthony De Mello Trophy.
The legacy of the Pataudi family will still be honored, as a newly created Pataudi Medal will be awarded to the victorious captain of each England-India Test series.
This trophy showcases images of Anderson and Tendulkar in action, along with their engraved signatures, serving as a fitting homage to two of cricket's most legendary figures.
Both Anderson and Tendulkar are celebrated as all-time greats, holding the record for the most Test matches played: Tendulkar with 200 matches and Anderson with 188.
Anderson, recognized as one of the premier practitioners of swing bowling, has taken 704 Test wickets, the highest by any fast bowler in the format. The Lancashire seamer is ranked third on the all-time wicket-takers list, surpassed only by spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.
Tendulkar, regarded as one of the most accomplished batsmen in cricket history, remains the leading run-scorer in Test cricket with 15,921 runs. He made his international debut at the age of 16 and enjoyed a remarkable 24-year career, during which he played a crucial role in India's triumphs against every Test-playing nation.
The official X handle of BCCI shared the following message:
"Two cricketing icons. One special recognition.
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson pose alongside the new Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy."
James Anderson stated, "This is a proud moment for both my family and me to have this iconic series named after Sachin and myself. The rivalry between our two nations has always been unique, filled with history, intensity, and unforgettable moments," as mentioned in a release by BCCI.
"Being recognized in this manner is a true honor. I am eager to witness the next chapter unfold in England this summer. It promises to be engaging, competitive cricket - precisely what one would anticipate from two great teams. This represents elite sport at its best," he continued.
Sachin Tendulkar remarked, "For me, Test cricket represents life - you give your all, and if things don't go as planned, it offers you another opportunity to regroup, reflect, unlearn, and recover. It is the pinnacle of the game that teaches endurance, discipline, and adaptability, regardless of the challenges. I attribute my foundation to Test cricket, as it has allowed me to evolve from setbacks to victories, from dreams to achievements."
"India and England have significantly contributed to shaping Test cricket in a manner that continues to inspire future generations. Now, as I share this honor with my on-field rival and off-field gentleman James, I hope the world celebrates the essence of Test cricket even more - enabling it to cross uncharted boundaries," he observed.
Richard Thompson, Chair of ECB, commented, "This new trophy is an excellent way to pay tribute to two absolute legends of the sport. Jimmy and Sachin have provided cricket fans globally with countless unforgettable moments, and it is appropriate that their names will now be associated with every men's Test series between England and India. I have had the honor of witnessing both men deliver world-class performances over the years, and they are both true ambassadors of the game off the field. This trophy celebrates their remarkable careers and the extraordinary influence they have had on the sport, reflecting the profound respect between our two cricketing nations."
The Pataudi family holds a significant position in the cricketing ties between our nations, and I am delighted that we will continue to honor their legacy by presenting the Pataudi Medal to the captain of the winning team," he remarked.
"I am eagerly anticipating the commencement of the inaugural series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in just a few days," he expressed.
Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, stated, "India and England have always enjoyed a captivating cricketing rivalry. It is a source of great pride that the Test series between these two countries will bear the names of two of their most celebrated cricketers - Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson."
"Both players illuminated the sport with their exceptional performances throughout their remarkable careers, inspiring millions worldwide," he added.
"We are confident that a Trophy named after these two legends will be another notable achievement for them and will contribute a significant chapter to the Test series between India and England," he concluded.
Roger Binny, President of the BCCI, remarked, "This is indeed a historic moment for cricket. Renaming the esteemed Test series between India and England after two true giants of the game, Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, is a well-deserved tribute to their unmatched contributions."
"The 'Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy' will not only honor their individual legacies but will also act as a lasting reminder of the intense yet respectful rivalry that has characterized India-England Test cricket for many years," he noted.
"We at the BCCI are immensely proud to be involved in this landmark decision, and we believe it will enhance the prestige and excitement of future matches between these two great cricketing nations," he added.
Anderson set a high benchmark in his Test career against India, taking 149 wickets at an average of 25.47 across 39 matches, which included six five-wicket hauls.
In the 32 matches he participated in against England, Tendulkar accumulated 2,535 runs with an average of 51.73, achieving a top score of 193 at Headingley in 2002, which is the home ground of Yorkshire, the county he played for as their inaugural overseas player in 1992.
In addition to their remarkable careers on the field, Anderson was honored with a knighthood for his contributions to cricket in 2024, whereas Tendulkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, in 2014.
