James Anderson: England’s all-time leading wicket-taker to be knighted for his services to cricket | Cricket News
James Anderson is to be knighted for his services to cricket in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list, the Government has announced.
Anderson, the only athlete on the list to be given an award, is England’s record Test wicket-taker and has also played more Test matches for England than any other player.
The 42-year-old retired from Test cricket last summer with 704 wickets to his name, third on the all-time list behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708), but will continue to play for his county, Lancashire.
Anderson played 188 Tests, 194 ODIs, and 19 T20 internationals during the 21 years he played for England after making his first appearance in 2002 and his Test debut the following year.
He picked up a calf injury in pre-season training, ruling him out of Lancashire’s first block of matches in April, but he said he could play another three years and to the age of 45.
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Watch James Anderson smashing stumps at the Home of Cricket in under two minutes with this video package!
“I really want to focus on this year and do as well as I can,” Anderson told BBC Sport.
“I am not ruling out playing for another one, two or three years. I don’t think you should limit yourself with that.”
Anderson’s international retirement came following discussions with England head coach Brendon McCullum, who wanted to modify his side’s bowling attack in building towards the 2025/26 Ashes in Australia.
Anderson’s deal at Lancashire also covers the Vitality Blast, meaning he could make a first appearance in the T20 format since 2014. He put himself forward for this year’s IPL auction and Hundred draft too, but was not selected.
Anderson hasn’t played any cricket since his farewell England Test against West Indies at Lord’s last summer, with the 188-Test veteran enjoying stints as England’s bowling coach since.
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James Anderson reflected on his 21-year career representing England at Test level following the conclusion of his final Test match against West Indies.
More to follow…
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