James Anderson to receive knighthood, Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list makes the fast bowler ‘Sir’ James Anderson

James Anderson retired from international cricket last year after an illustrious career spanning 21 years. The fast bowler broke many records as he picked up an astonishing 704 Test wickets, the most by any fast bowler ever. For his magnificent contributions to England cricket, Anderson is set to be knighted soon.

Anderson’s illustrious career

James Anderson debuted as a 20-year-old at Lords in May 2003. He played his first game against Zimbabwe. The young pacer was to become the leading wicket-taker for England over the next two decades. He, along with his long-time bowling partner Stuart Broad, became the backbone of England’s bowling.

Anderson played 188 Tests in his long career. That is second to only Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200 Tests. He picked up 704 wickets in those matches, making him the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers. In ODIs, too, his record is splendid. He stopped playing white-ball cricket in 2015. However, he continues to be England’s leading wicket-taker in the format with 269 wickets at an average of 29.22.

Reaction from the ECB chair

Richard Thompson, the ECB chair, reacted to the news of Anderson receiving the knighthood and said, “Congratulations Sir Jimmy Anderson. This is a really well-deserved honour for an England legend who has given 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. 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,” Thompson added.

Anderson joins an elite list

With the knighthood, Anderson is set to join an elite list of players who have received the honour. His former teammates, Sir Alastair Cook and Sir Andrew Strauss, received the honour in 2019. In the same year, Theresa May conferred the honour to Geoffrey Boycott as well. However, that became a controversy as Boycott was convicted of domestic assault in 1998.

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