In a historic move set to redefine the cricketing rivalry between two giants of the sport, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have jointly agreed to rename the prestigious Test series between England and India as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This decision symbolically celebrates two titans of the longest format — James Anderson, England’s most prolific fast bowler, and Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian maestro revered as one of the greatest batsmen to grace the game.
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A Fitting Tribute to Two Test Titans
The announcement not only honours individual brilliance but encapsulates the essence of cricket’s traditional rivalry between India and England. While Tendulkar retired in 2013 after 200 Test appearances, Anderson recently bowed out in July 2024, having played a staggering 188 matches — the most by any fast bowler in history. Together, they represent a combined total of nearly four decades of Test excellence.
The ceremonial unveiling of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground — the spiritual home of cricket — during the World Test Championship (WTC) final commencing June 11. Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson will have their names etched on prestigious silverware as ECB and BCCI have decided to name the Test series between England and India the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Series Begins a New WTC Cycle
Following the grand unveiling, the cricketing action will resume with England and India launching the new WTC cycle. The five-Test series kicks off at Headingley in Leeds on June 20, promising riveting contests between two powerhouses hungry for early WTC points.
This move is set to add symbolic depth and emotional heft to the series, with both teams now contesting for a trophy bearing the names of two of their most iconic figures. It underscores the legacy and respect that both players have built over their storied careers, setting a benchmark for the current generation.
From Pataudi and de Mello to Tendulkar and Anderson
Until now, the series name depended on the host nation. When played in England, the competition was titled the Pataudi Trophy, honouring Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, both of whom captained India with distinction. In India, the series went by the name Anthony de Mello Trophy, commemorating one of the founding stalwarts of the BCCI and its first secretary and president between 1946 and 1951.
However, the unification under a single, bi-national trophy represents a contemporary shift, one that aligns with recent trends in international Test cricket. While Anderson, who featured in 188 Tests, retired last July, Tendulkar quit in 2013 having played 200 Tests.
Inspired by Global Precedents
The creation of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy mirrors recent naming conventions in world cricket. Last year saw the inauguration of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, contested between England and New Zealand, in memory of Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe. Meanwhile, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains the centrepiece of India-Australia Test battles, named after legends Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar.
These changes not only serve as tributes to players but also reinforce Test cricket’s tradition and richness, tying modern contests to their illustrious past.
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FAQs
What is the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy?
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is the new name for the Test series between England and India, honouring legends James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.
When will the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy be unveiled?
The trophy will be unveiled at Lord’s during the World Test Championship final starting on June 11.
When does the England vs India Test series begin?
The five-match Test series begins on June 20 at Headingley, marking the start of the new WTC cycle.
Why was the England-India Test series renamed?
The series was renamed to honour two of Test cricket’s greatest players—Anderson and Tendulkar—and to unify its identity across both countries.
Which trophies did England and India use before the renaming?
Earlier, England hosted the Pataudi Trophy, while India hosted the Anthony de Mello Trophy for the same bilateral Test series.
