India and England Set to Compete for New Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy
Introduction of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy
India and England are gearing up for a five-match Test series in the UK, where they will compete for a newly established trophy named in honor of cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson.
According to a report from a prominent media outlet, the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will be officially revealed ahead of the highly anticipated series, which kicks off at Headingley on June 20. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has chosen not to comment on the matter.
Historically, Test matches between England and India in the UK were contested for the Pataudi Trophy, named after Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi.
In March, the ECB reached out to the Pataudi family to express their intention to retire the existing trophy.
Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in cricket history, holds the record for the most runs in Test cricket, amassing 15,921 runs over his career. He played 200 Tests from 1989 to 2013 and has set numerous records in both Test and ODI formats.
Anderson, on the other hand, is recognized as England's leading wicket-taker and the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket history, with a remarkable tally of 704 wickets.
Since his retirement from international cricket last summer, the 42-year-old Anderson has taken on the role of bowling consultant for England and is currently playing county cricket for Lancashire after extending his contract.
The two cricketing icons have faced off in 14 Tests, with Anderson managing to dismiss Tendulkar nine times, the highest number of dismissals by any bowler against the Indian maestro.
England currently holds the Pataudi Trophy, having retained it following a 2-2 draw in a series that spanned 2021 and 2022, which was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This decision to rename the trophy aligns with a similar initiative by England and New Zealand, who introduced the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy last year, honoring former players Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe.