James Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, is set to receive a knighthood for his extraordinary contributions to the sport of cricket.
The 42-year-old paceman, who retired from Test cricket last year with a record 704 wickets, is the only sportsperson to be named in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list.
Anderson’s career, which spanned over two decades, cemented his status as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. Having made his debut in a One Day International against Australia in 2002, he followed that with his Test debut the following year.
Over the course of his career, Anderson played 188 Test matches, 194 ODIs, and 19 T20 internationals for England, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Richard Thompson, chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), hailed Anderson’s knighthood as “a really well-deserved honour,” emphasizing his legendary status and the monumental impact he has had on the sport.
“His skill, determination, and sportsmanship have inspired millions of cricketers and fans alike,” Thompson said. “This is fitting recognition for a true world great who has given so much to the game on and off the field.”
Anderson’s retirement from international cricket came after England’s leadership, including coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, opted to focus on building a team for the future. His retirement was celebrated with an emotional farewell in the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024.
Immediately after stepping down, Anderson took on a mentorship role with the England team as a fast-bowling consultant, though he no longer holds a formal coaching position. Despite this, he has expressed interest in continuing his playing career with Lancashire, the county where he began his professional journey.
Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, also lauded Anderson’s knighthood, saying, “His contribution to the game of cricket, spanning across three decades, has been immense and he is extremely deserving of this honour.”
Chilton also praised Anderson for his unwavering commitment to both England and Lancashire, noting that his career has been one of distinction.
Although Anderson has not played in international cricket since his retirement, he has signed on to play for Lancashire in the upcoming summer season.
However, his return to action has been delayed due to a calf injury sustained during pre-season training, ruling him out of the first block of County Championship matches.
In total, Anderson’s career has seen him claim 1,114 first-class wickets, 358 List A wickets, and 41 wickets in T20s, a testament to his sustained excellence across all formats of the game.
His knighthood is a fitting tribute to a cricketer whose legacy will endure for years to come, both as a player and as a mentor to future generations of fast bowlers.
