James Anderson has confessed he feels “out of place” seeing his name alongside Sachin Tendulkar on the newly named Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The former England fast bowler admitted the honour overwhelms him.
The England and Wales Cricket Board recently renamed the England–India Test series. The contest, formerly known as the Pataudi Trophy, will now be called the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The change celebrates the legacy of two Test greats, Tendulkar with 200 matches, Anderson with 188.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Anderson called it a surreal moment. “To be associated with someone I’ve admired since childhood is beyond belief,” he said. Anderson, who retired after the second Test at Lord’s, added that he never imagined this kind of tribute during his career.
Anderson played 188 Tests and took 704 wickets. He holds the record for most Test wickets by a pacer. Despite his numbers, the 42-year-old admitted he often feels disconnected from his own achievements.
“It sounds strange, but when people talk about my stats, it feels like they’re talking about someone else,” he said. “It’s hard to believe it’s actually me who did all that.”
Anderson faced Tendulkar multiple times during the 2000s and continues to hold the Indian icon in high regard. He described Tendulkar as someone who “carried the weight of a nation.”
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The ongoing England–India Test series currently stands at 2-1 in England’s favour. India, led by Shubman Gill, bounced back at Edgbaston with a massive 336-run win after losing the opener at Headingley. England took a thrilling third Test at Lord’s by 22 runs.
The fourth Test begins on July 23 at Old Trafford. India must win to level the series and set up a decider at The Oval.
Anderson’s farewell and the renaming of the trophy add emotional weight to an already intense contest.