Key Points

James Anderson expressed deep humility about having a Test trophy named jointly with Sachin Tendulkar, calling the Indian legend his childhood hero. The new Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy replaces previous bilateral series awards between England and India. Both players hold monumental Test records - Tendulkar as batting's highest run-scorer and Anderson as pace bowling's top wicket-taker. The emotional tribute comes during a tightly contested Test series currently led by England.

Key Points: James Anderson Humbled by Sachin Tendulkar Trophy Honor

  • Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy replaces Pataudi & De Mello Trophies for England-India Tests
  • Anderson calls Tendulkar one of cricket's greatest ever players
  • Both hold Test records - Tendulkar (200 caps) & Anderson (704 wickets)
  • Trophy unveiled during ongoing 5-match series led 2-1 by England
3 min read

Feel completely out of place...: Anderson on being alongside Tendulkar at launch of trophy named after both icons

England legend James Anderson admits feeling "out of place" sharing trophy name with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar ahead of Test series.

"I feel completely out of place when I see myself alongside him with the trophy. I hold him in such high regard. - James Anderson"

London, July 20

England pace legend James Anderson admitted that he feels "completely out of place" seeing himself alongside Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar at the launch of new Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the prize for which both teams are fighting for during the five-Test series in UK.

Anderson spoke on length about a variety of subjects on Sky Sports. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a joint initiative between the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is now representing all future Test series between England and India. Previously, the series in England was played for the Pataudi Trophy and the series in India for the Anthony De Mello Trophy.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Anderson said, "It is not necessarily just how huge it is to have a trophy named after you, but alongside Sachin Tendulkar, who, for me, is one of the greatest ever cricketers to have lived. I feel completely out of place when I see myself alongside him with the trophy. I hold him in such high regard."

"I watched him as a kid, played against him. He is just such an iconic cricketer who's carried the weight of a nation on his shoulders throughout his career and past it as well. So, to share something like this with him is an incredible honour," he added.

Both Anderson and Tendulkar are recognised as behemoths of their respective countries in cricket, with Test cricket being their best format. They are the top two most capped players in the history of Test cricket: Tendulkar played 200 matches, and Anderson 188.

Anderson, considered one of the finest practitioners of swing bowling, took 704 Test wickets, the most by a fast bowler in the format. He only retired from international cricket last year at the age of 41, setting a new benchmark of longevity as a fast bowler. The Lancashire seamer ranks third on the all-time list, behind only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

Tendulkar, one of the most flawless and technically gifted batters ever, remains the highest run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs. He made his debut at the age of 16 and went on to enjoy a distinguished 24-year international career, during which he played a pivotal role in India's success against every other Test-playing nation. He scored 51 Test centuries, the most by any player.

Coming to the trophy, the series is 2-1 in favour of England following a loss at Lord's for India by 22 runs while chasing 193. The fourth Test at Manchester will take place from July 23 onwards.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
What a beautiful gesture by both cricket boards! Two legends from different eras, different skills, but same passion for Test cricket. This will inspire young players to value the longest format.
A
Aditya G
While I appreciate Anderson's humility, I think BCCI should have pushed for an Indian-only name. We have many legends like Dravid, Kumble who deserve this honor more than a foreign player. Just my opinion.
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Priya S
Remember when Anderson used to trouble Sachin with his swing? Now they're trophy mates! Cricket truly brings people together ❤️ Hope this series lives up to their legacy.
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Nikhil C
Anderson's longevity is insane! 41 years as fast bowler? Most Indian pacers retire by 35. Shows the difference in fitness culture. Our team should learn from him.
M
Meera T
Emotional moment for cricket lovers! Two players who defined Test cricket in their own ways. Now if only current players would value Test matches as much as these legends did...

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