New Delhi: 

Legendary English fast bowler James Anderson is to receive a knighthood for his exceptional services to cricket for more than 20 years. Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket and only retired from the format last summer, with 704 wickets, making him the most successful fast bowler in the format.

Anderson first appeared for England in a one-day international (ODI) against Australia in December 2002 before making his debut in Tests in May 2003. He went on to play 188 Tests, 194 ODIs, and 19 T20Is for the English team during an international career that spanned more than two decades.

42 year old Anderson, who represented Lancashire in County cricket, has been directed a knighthood in former United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list and he is the only athlete in the set to be given an award.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson said it was a well-deserved honour for the England legend who has contributed so much to our sport. “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,” he said as quoted by the BBC.

“His skill, determination, and sportsmanship have inspired millions of cricketers and fans alike in England and around the world. This is fitting recognition for a true world great who has given so much to the game on and off the field,” he added.

Retirement and coaching

Anderson decided to call it quits from international duty after England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes decided they wanted to solidify their attack for the future. He went through an emotional farewell in the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s last July and in no time joined England in the backroom as their fast-bowling mentor.

He no longer has a coaching role with England now but could still work with the team during the summer. Anderson has said that his priority is to continue his playing career for Lancashire. Anderson hasn’t featured in competitive cricket since his international retirement but has signed a deal to play for the Red Rose county this summer. At the start of the month, Anderson surprised the cricketing world by saying he was not ruling out playing for three more years.

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