Sachin Tendulkar, James Anderson unveil Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ahead of first ENG vs IND test at Headingley

The England vs India series will now be played for a trophy named after James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.

Two legends of the game, Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, have unveiled the trophy, named after them, for the five-match test series between the England Cricket Team and the India Cricket Team. The first game between the two teams is all set to take place from Friday (20th June) at Headingley in Leeds. 

In an initiative to honour the contributions of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to name the trophy after two legends. The test series between England and India in England from now on will be played for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Earlier, the test series between England and India was played for the Pataudi Trophy, and the series in India saw both teams fighting for the Anthony De Mello Trophy. After a fair amount of criticism, the ECB and BCCI decided to keep the Pataudi name associated with the series. The winning captain of the England vs India series will now be getting a newly commissioned Pataudi Medal. 

Coming to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, it features images of both the legends of the game in action. Also, it has engraved signatures of both the former players, giving tribute to the two icons of cricket. The trophy was unveiled in England with both James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar gracing the occasion.

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson share their thoughts on Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Speaking about the trophy being named after him, James Anderson said: “It’s a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and me. The rivalry between our two nations has always been something special, full of history, intensity and unforgettable moments.“

“To be recognised in this way is a real honour. I’m looking forward to seeing the next chapter unfold in England this summer. It promises to be compelling, competitive cricket – exactly what you’d expect from two great sides. This is elite sport at its finest.”

Sachin Tendulkar also shared his take on the same, saying: “For me, Test cricket embodies life – you give your best, and if things go wrong, it gives you another day to regroup, think, unlearn, and bounce back. It is the highest form of the game that teaches you endurance, discipline and adaptability, against all odds. I owe my foundation to Test cricket, as it has seen me grow from disappointments to triumphs, from aspirations to fulfilment.“

“India and England have played a big role in shaping Test cricket in a way that it remains an evolving inspiration for subsequent generations. And now, as I share this recognition with my on-field challenger and an off-field gentleman James, I hope that the world celebrates the essence of Test cricket even more – allowing it to traverse boundaries yet untrodden.” 

Sachin Tendulkar ended his career as the highest run-getter in the test cricket. He mustered 15,921 runs while James Anderson retired as the leading wicket-taker in the tests among fast bowlers. He picked 704 wickets to finish behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. Notably, Sachin (200) and Anderson (188) are the most-capped players in test cricket history.

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