James Anderson, England’s Record Wicket-Taker, to Be Knighted

James Anderson, widely regarded as one of the greatest pace bowlers in cricket history, is set to be honored with a knighthood for his outstanding contributions to the sport. The 42-year-old retired from Test cricket in 2024, holding the record for the most wickets ever taken in the format with 704. His remarkable career spans two decades, starting with his ODI debut in 2002 and his Test debut in 2003.

Anderson’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, with 188 Test appearances, 194 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 19 T20 internationals under his belt. His legacy includes winning the Ashes series four times, and his longevity in the game has inspired countless players and fans around the world. The knighthood was granted as part of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honors list, making Anderson the sole sportsperson to receive this prestigious recognition.

Richard Thompson, Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board, praised Anderson as a “legend” who has significantly impacted English cricket. His skill, perseverance, and sportsmanship have left an indelible mark on the game, both on and off the field.

Despite retiring from international duty, Anderson remains active in cricket, taking on a mentoring role with England’s fast bowlers. Although he no longer has an official coaching position, Anderson continues to play county cricket for Lancashire, where he aims to extend his career for a few more years, despite recovering from a recent calf injury.