Legendary pace bowler James Anderson is to be knighted for his exceptional 21-year England career. His name was included on the resignation honours list of former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, according to reports.
Impressive Career Achievements of James Anderson
The 42-year-old hung up his international boots in 2024 after taking 704 Test wickets a record for an English bowler and the record for any fast bowler of all time. He appeared in 188 Tests, finishing his England career with a last game against the West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024. He started at the same venue way back in May 2003, when he debuted against Zimbabwe.
While Anderson has not played white-ball cricket for England since 2015, he retains the national record for most ODI wickets (269) and also had 18 T20I wickets, finishing nine short of 1,000 international wickets.
Although retired from England service, Anderson hasn’t yet taken a complete step back from the sport. He is rehabilitating from a calf strain and is set to feature in domestic cricket for Lancashire this summer, similar to Alastair Cook, who continued playing for Essex despite being knighted in 2019.
ECB Chair’s Tribute
Richard Thompson, the ECB chair, said, “Congratulations Sir Jimmy Anderson. This is a really well-deserved honour for an England legend who has given so much to our sport,” as quoted.
“Jimmy’s career has been marked by extraordinary achievements, not least in winning the Ashes four times and becoming England’s all-time leading wicket-taker. His skill, determination, and sportsmanship have inspired millions of cricketers and fans alike, in England and around the world,” he added.
“This is fitting recognition for a true world-great who has given so much to the game on and off the field,” he noted.
Rishi Sunak’s Connection to James Anderson
Rishi Sunak, himself a cricket lover, had previously been confronted by Anderson in the nets at The Oval when announcing funding for grass-roots cricket. Sunak’s list of honours features five other knighthoods, largely for his former cabinet colleagues, and also features film-maker Matthew Vaughn.
Anderson’s knighthood had been anticipated given his retirement. Andrew Strauss, a former England captain himself being knighted in 2019, had previously indicated that Anderson’s record made him extremely worthy of the honor.
“Very much so!” Strauss said, as quoted. “I think any fast bowler that plays 188 Test matches deserves a knighthood, I’ll put it that way,” he added.
