England record wicket taker Anderson set to be awarded knighthood

IANS April 11, 2025 323 views

James Anderson, England's most prolific fast bowler, has been awarded a knighthood after an extraordinary international cricket career spanning 21 years. His retirement in 2024 marked the end of a remarkable journey, finishing with 704 Test wickets and becoming the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in England's history. Anderson's achievements include playing 188 Test matches and being ranked third on the all-time global Test wicket-takers list. His legacy extends beyond statistics, representing dedication, skill, and excellence in English cricket.

"A true giant of English cricket" - Cricket Commentator (Implied)
England record wicket taker Anderson set to be awarded knighthood
New Delhi, April 11: England's record wicket-taker in Test cricket, James Anderson has been given the knighthood in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list and was the only sportsperson to be given the award. Anderson was previously awarded with an OBE medal by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace back in 2016.

Key Points

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England's highest Test wicket-taker retires with 704 international wickets

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Knighted in Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list

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Made Test debut in 2003 with 188 Test caps

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Third-highest wicket-taker globally in Test cricket

Anderson retired from international cricket following England's emphatic innings and 114 runs win against West Indies in the first Test at Lord's in July, 2024 where he scalped four wickets across two innings. His decision to retire from international duty came after England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes decided they wanted to build an attack for the future.

The 41-year-old closed his red-ball career with 704 wickets for England. He retired from the format as the highest wicket-taker as a fast bowler and is the third-highest wicket-taker overall after Muttiah Muralidaran (800) of Sri Lanka and Australia's Shane Warne (708) in Test cricket.

Anderson made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2003 and earned 188 caps in the format, which is also an England record. He sits in second position on the all-time list of Test appearances behind only the legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200 Tests for India. He also played 194 ODIs, where he claimed 269 wickets which also sees him sit atop the list of most wickets for England in the 50-over format and 19 T20Is for England but became a Test-match specialist fast-bowler in 2015.

Despite calling curtains to his glorious international career, Anderson is currently signed to play for the Red Rose county this summer. Anderson made his Lancashire debut in white-ball cricket in 2000, before making his red-ball debut in 2002 and has taken 1,114 first-class wickets, 358 in List A cricket and 41 in T20s.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
Absolute legend! 704 Test wickets is insane for a fast bowler. Well deserved honor 👏 The way he kept going strong at 41 is just inspirational. #KingJimmy
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Rajesh P.
As an Indian cricket fan, I have so much respect for Anderson. That duel with Tendulkar was always special to watch. Congratulations Sir James!
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Tom W.
While I think he's a great bowler, I'm not sure about the timing of this knighthood. Feels a bit rushed right after retirement? Should've waited a year or two maybe.
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Megan L.
That swing bowling was pure art 🎨 So many memories of him demolishing top orders with that perfect outswinger. Lancashire legend too!
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David H.
The longevity is what amazes me most. 21 years at the top level as a fast bowler?! That's inhuman. Enjoy retirement Jimmy, you've earned it.
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Aisha B.
Still can't believe he's retired 😢 But what a career! That 7/43 against NZ in 2008 remains one of the greatest bowling performances I've ever seen.

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