The thrill of Test cricket between India and England has now become even more special, as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the BCCI have jointly launched the new Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Which will now make the Test series between the two countries even more spectacular. This trophy is dedicated to two legends of cricket – Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson – who made the whole world crazy with their game.
This new trophy will be given for the first time in the five-Test series starting at Headingley from June 20.
Earlier the Anthony de Mello Trophy was given in India and the Pataudi Trophy in England, but now both of these have been removed and the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has taken their place.
But, to keep the legacy of Tiger Pataudi alive, the winning captain at the end of every series will be given the Pataudi Medal of Excellence.
Sachin’s amazing master stroke
When the ECB decided to change the name of the Pataudi Trophy, many legends opposed it, including Sharmila Tagore, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar.
Sachin Tendulkar also took action on this and spoke to the BCCI, ECB and the Pataudi family.
Sachin said, “The contribution of the Pataudi family to Indian cricket inspires us. I tried everything possible to keep their legacy alive.”
His hard work paid off and the Pataudi medal was decided.
Sachin’s Test Journey
Sachin scored 15,921 runs in 200 Tests, while James Anderson took 704 wickets in 188 Tests. Both also showed amazing performance against each other.
Sachin scored 2,535 runs in 32 Tests against England, while Anderson took 149 wickets in 39 Tests against India. Now, their trophy will have signatures and action photos of both of them, which will make it more special.
What did the legends say?
James Anderson said, “This is a proud moment for me. India-England rivalry has always been special.”
Sachin said, “Test cricket is my foundation. It is a matter of pride to receive this honour with a champion like James.”
ECB chairman Richard Thompson and BCCI president Roger Binny also praised this move. This series will now not only tell the story of cricket, but also of two legends.
