In a landmark move celebrating two cricketing greats, this summer’s five-match Test series between England and India will be contested for a newly introduced trophy — the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy.
Named in honour of India’s legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar and England’s iconic fast bowler James Anderson, the trophy pays tribute to two of the most celebrated figures in Test cricket. The series will begin at Headingley on 20 June.
Tendulkar, 52, is the leading run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs across 200 matches from 1989 to 2013. Anderson, 42, is England’s all-time top wicket-taker and holds the record for most Test wickets by a pace bowler with 704 dismissals. The two players faced off in 14 Test matches, with Anderson dismissing Tendulkar more times than any other bowler — nine in total.
Anderson, who retired from international cricket in 2024, is currently playing county cricket for Lancashire, following a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford. He also continues to contribute to England’s national team as a bowling consultant.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has yet to comment on the change, but the new trophy follows a growing trend in cricket of recognising individual legends. It mirrors the recently introduced Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, named after New Zealand’s Martin Crowe and England’s Graham Thorpe, first contested during England’s 2024 tour of New Zealand.
Until now, England-India Test series played in the UK were contested for the Pataudi Trophy, named after the famous cricketing family. The late Nawab of Pataudi represented both England and India in the 1930s and 40s, while his son captained India during the 1960s and 70s. The Pataudi family has been informed of the change. England were the last holders of the Pataudi Trophy after drawing the 2021–2022 series 2-2 — a series interrupted and extended due to Covid-related disruptions.
Meanwhile, Test series hosted in India between the two nations have traditionally been played for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after a pioneering Indian cricket administrator. It remains unclear whether the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will also apply to future series in India. India currently hold the De Mello Trophy after a 4-1 series victory in 2024.
The introduction of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy marks a new chapter in one of cricket’s most storied rivalries, paying homage to players who defined their eras and the spirit of the game.