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The new Anderson-Tendulkar trophy honouring the two greats of the game has been unveiled ahead of the Test series between India and England, set to commence tomorrow at Leeds.
The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, a joint initiative between the ECB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will now represent all future Test series between England and India.
Previously, the series in England was played for the Pataudi Trophy and the series in India for the Anthony De Mello Trophy.
The Pataudi family will continue to be honoured, with a newly commissioned Pataudi Medal to be presented to the winning captain of each England–India Test series.
The trophy features imagery of Anderson and Tendulkar in action, along with their engraved signatures– a fitting tribute to two of the game’s most iconic figures.
Both Anderson and Tendulkar are widely regarded as all-time greats. They are the most-capped players in the history of Test cricket: Tendulkar played 200 matches, and Anderson 188.
Anderson, considered one of the finest exponents of swing bowling, took 704 Test wickets, the most by a fast bowler in the format. The Lancashire seamer ranks third on the all-time list, behind only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.
Tendulkar, one of the most complete batters to have graced the game, remains the highest run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs. He made his debut at the age of 16 and went on to enjoy a distinguished 24-year international career.
Speaking on the occasion, James Anderson expressed pride to have his name on this prestigious trophy.
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and myself. The rivalry between our two nations has always been something special, full of history, intensity and unforgettable moments, James Anderson said.
“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,” James Anderson added.
Sachin Tendulkar mentioned the longest format of cricket, noting that it teaches a player to fight against all odds.
“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, Sachin Tendulkar stated.
Sachin Tendulkar further highlighted both teams’ role in nurturing the future of Test cricket, emphasising the celebration of red-ball cricket.
“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 concluded.
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