England's legendary bowler, James Anderson, has expressed feelings of humility and slight discomfort over having the new Test trophy between England and India named after him and Sachin Tendulkar. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was introduced in June 2025 to replace the Pataudi Trophy and the Anthony de Mello Trophy, which were previously awarded to the winners of Test series in England and India, respectively.
Anderson, a celebrated figure in cricket with a record-breaking 704 Test wickets, ranking third overall, confessed that he feels "out of place" when his name is mentioned alongside Tendulkar's. Tendulkar, an icon in the world of cricket, holds the record for the most runs in Test cricket (15,921) and the most centuries (51).
Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket, Anderson shared his sentiments about the honor. He conveyed his deep respect for Tendulkar and admitted that he still finds it surreal when people praise his own remarkable career with England. "I feel completely out of place when I see myself alongside him with the trophy," Anderson said. "I hold him in such high regard". He added, "It is strange that when people talk about what I have achieved in cricket, like when I hear about it as if someone's talking about someone else if that makes sense like I don't feel it is me who has achieved all this".
The decision to honor both Anderson and Tendulkar with a trophy reflects their immense contributions to Test cricket and the historic rivalry between England and India. Anderson played 188 Test matches for England and holds the record for the most wickets taken by a fast bowler in Test cricket. In 39 matches against India, he took 149 wickets at an average of 25.47, including six five-wicket hauls. Tendulkar, who played 200 Test matches for India, is the leading run-scorer for his team and in Test cricket. In 32 Tests against England, he amassed 2,535 runs at an average of 51.73, with a highest score of 193.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) unveiled the new trophy, which features imagery of both Tendulkar and Anderson and also has their signatures engraved on it. While the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy replaces the historic Pataudi Trophy, the legacy of the Pataudi family will continue through a newly instituted accolade — the Pataudi Medal — which will now be awarded to the winning captain of the England-India Test series. Sachin Tendulkar suggested the idea to BCCI and the ECB to continue to honor the legacy of the Nawab of Pataudi and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
Anderson, who was knighted for his services to cricket in 2024, acknowledged the significance of the rivalry between England and India. "It's a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and myself,” Anderson said. “The rivalry between our two nations has always been something special, full of history, intensity and unforgettable moments. To be recognised in this way is a real honour". Tendulkar, who received the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 2014, echoed Anderson's sentiments. "India and England have played a big role in shaping Test cricket in a way that it remains an evolving inspiration for subsequent generations,” Tendulkar stated. “And now, as I share this recognition with my on-field challenger and an off-field gentleman James, I hope that the world celebrates the essence of Test cricket even more - allowing it to traverse boundaries yet untrodden".
The inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is currently being contested in the ongoing five-Test series between England and India in England.
