India-England Test Series to Be Renamed After Cricket Legends Tendulkar and Anderson

Renaming of the Trophy

The upcoming five-match Test series between India and England is set to undergo a significant change, as it will be renamed this season. Previously known as the Pataudi Trophy, named after the legendary Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, there have been discussions about retiring this trophy. It has now been confirmed that the series will be named the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, honoring two cricketing icons.

As reported by a major news outlet, the new name will take effect starting from the first Test match scheduled for June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The trophy was originally named after Iftikhar Ali Khan and Mansoor Ali Khan, celebrating the Pataudi family's legacy. This trophy was introduced in 2007 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's inaugural Test match against England.

Historical Context

Before adopting the Pataudi name, England and India had contested 14 Test series on English soil. In those encounters, England won 11 times, India secured victory twice, and one series concluded in a draw. Additionally, the tour of India to England is recognized as the Anthony de Mello Trophy.

The Tendulkar-Anderson Legacy

Beginning in 2025, the series will pay tribute to these two modern cricket legends. Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200 Test matches for India from 1989 to 2013, holds the record for the most runs in Test cricket, totaling 15,921 runs throughout his remarkable career. Conversely, James Anderson is England's all-time leading wicket-taker and has the highest number of wickets by a fast bowler in Test history, with 704 wickets to his name.

Since retiring from international cricket last summer, Anderson has remained active in the sport, serving as a bowling consultant for the England team while continuing to play for Lancashire in county cricket, having recently extended his contract.

A Historic Rivalry

The two cricketing greats faced each other in 14 Test matches, with Anderson dismissing Tendulkar nine times, marking the highest number of dismissals of the Indian legend by any bowler.

This decision to rename the trophy mirrors a similar initiative by England and New Zealand last year, when they introduced the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy to honor former players Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe. England won that series 2-1.