The coveted Tendulkar-Anderson trophy was unveiled on June 19, Thursday as both legendary cricketers posed with the same. Having played 388 Tests combined, the trophy has been renamed from Pataudi Trophy to honour Sir James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar as India and England will compete for it, beginning on June 20.
The Pataudi family will continue to be honoured, with the Pataudi medal set to be presented to the winning captain of the England-India Test series. The Test series played between the two sides in India will still be for the Anthony De Mello Trophy.
Anderson, who retired from Test cricket after the opening Test against the West Indies in 2024, picked up a staggering 704 wickets in 188 matches, establishing himself comfortably as the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the format. Tendulkar, meanwhile, is the custodian of several records in Test cricket, including most appearances, most runs and highest number of centuries.
"India and England have played a big role in shaping Test cricket" - Sachin Tendulkar
Tendulkar reacted to the development, claiming that he owes Test cricket a lot, given the life lessons the format imparts. He said, as quoted by ecb.co.uk:
"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."
Anderson expressed that it's a proud moment for him and his family and is keen to see how the summer unfolds.
"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. 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."
