James Anderson to receive knighting for a remarkable English career

London [UK]April 12 (Ani): Legendary fast bowler James Anderson will be knight in recognition of his excellent 21-year career with England. His name appears on the resignation list of former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, according to Espncricinfo. The 42-year-old man retired from the international cricket in 2024 after demanding 704 Test wickets-most by an English bowler and most by any fast bowler in history. He played 188 Tests and ended his English career in July 2024 with a final match against the West Indies in Lord’s. His journey began on the same ground in May 2003 when he made his debut against Zimbabwe. Although Anderson has not played white ball cricket for England since 2015, he still has the national record for most wickets in ODIs (269) and also took 18 wickets in T20Is and ended just nine short of 1,000 international wickets. Despite retiring from England’s service, Anderson did not get away from the game. He recovers from a calf injury and plans to play domestic cricket for Lancashire this summer, just like Alastair Cook, who continued to play for Essex after receiving his knighting in 2019. Richard Thompson, the ECB chairman, said: “Congratulations Sir Jimmy Anderson. This is a very well-earned honor for an English legend who gave our sport so much,” as quoted from quoting the quoted from the quoted from the quoted. “Jimmy’s career was characterized by extraordinary achievements, not least to win the AS four times and become England’s leading wicketkeeper. His skill, determination and sportsmanship inspired millions of cricketers and fans in England and around the world,” he added. “It is appropriate recognition for a true world world that gave the game so much on and off the field,” he noted. Rishi Sunak, who was also a cricket lover, faced Anderson in the nets at the oval while announcing funding for grassroots cricket. Sunak’s honors list contains five other knight streams, mostly for his former cabinet members, and also contains filmmaker Matthew Vaughn. The Knightsnership for Anderson has been expected since his retirement. Former English captain Andrew Strauss, who himself was knight in 2019, said earlier that Anderson’s achievements earned him a lot. “A lot so!” Strauss said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo. “I think every fast bowler who plays 188 test matches deserves a knight, I’ll put it that way,” he added. (Ani) first published: 12 Apr 2025, 04:01 am Ist