This summer’s five-match Test series between England and India, starting June 20 at Headingley, will introduce the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, honoring cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson. 

The new trophy, to be unveiled before the series, celebrates the duo’s legendary contributions to the sport.

India’s Sachin Tendulkar, 52, holds the record as Test cricket’s highest run-scorer with 15,921 runs across 200 matches from 1989 to 2013. England’s James Anderson, 42, is the nation’s leading wicket-taker and the most prolific pace bowler in Test history with 704 wickets. 

Since retiring from international cricket last summer, Anderson has served as England’s bowling consultant and returned to county cricket with Lancashire on a one-year contract extension.

The pair faced off in 14 Tests, with Anderson dismissing Tendulkar nine times, more than any other bowler. 

Naming the trophy after them echoes the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, honoring New Zealand’s Martin Crowe and England’s Graham Thorpe, which debuted during England’s 2-1 series win in New Zealand last year.

Previously, England-India Test series in the UK were contested for the Pataudi Trophy, named after the Pataudi family. The Nawab of Pataudi played for both nations in the 1930s and 40s, while his son captained India in the 1960s and 70s. 

England, the final Pataudi Trophy holders after a 2-2 draw in the 2021-22 series disrupted by Covid, informed the Pataudi family of the change.

In India, the teams compete for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after a former Indian cricket administrator. India currently holds it following a 4-1 victory last year. It remains uncertain whether the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will replace the De Mello Trophy for future series in India.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has not commented on the change. The new trophy symbolizes the fierce yet respectful rivalry between two cricketing giants, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated series.

Source: BBC

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