There is something historic to look forward to for cricket fans. The legendary England vs. India Test series is getting a fresh identity. Yes, this iconic contest will be played for a newly named prize, the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. This replaces the Pataudi Trophy, which has been in place since 2007 for all India-England Test series held in England.
The change was officially announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and it has already got fans talking. The first series under this new name will begin on June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds.
Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy: A new chapter in the England-India Test Rivalry
It will also mark the fourth edition of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which adds even more weight to an already massive five-Test series. So why the name change? Well, it is a tribute to two absolute legends of the game, namely Sachin Tendulkar from India and James Anderson from England. These two defined an era.
Sachin Tendulkar, often called the “God of Cricket,” retired in 2013 after an unmatched career that spanned 200 Test matches. His numbers are jaw-dropping. The Indian batting maestro scored 15,921 runs,, including 51 centuries,, at a solid average of 53.78, registering his highest Test score of an unbeaten 248.
The way he carried the expectations of an entire nation every time he stepped onto the field made him special. On the other side, James Anderson retired in July 2024. The veteran has represented the England cricket team in 188 tests. He was best known for his deadly swing and ability to perform in all conditions.
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It is worth noting that he picked up 704 Test wickets, which is the most by any fast bowler in history. He registered the best bowling figures of 7/42 in an innings and 11/71 in a match. Notably, he also had 32 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket match hauls in his incredible career.
Meanwhile, the Pataudi Medal will still be part of the series. This medal will be awarded to the winning captain, which will keep the legacy of the Pataudi family alive. It honours Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who represented both India and England, and his son, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who led India with pride.