Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Archives

Stuart Broad backs THIS Bowler to replace Jofra Archer in The Oval Test

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad believes Jofra Archer should be rested for the fifth and final Test against India, starting July 31 at The Oval, and has backed Gus Atkinson to take his place.

Archer made a highly anticipated return to Test cricket earlier this series after a four-year absence caused by recurring elbow and back injuries.

The speedster marked his comeback in style during the third Test at Lord’s, taking match figures of 5-105 and playing a key role in England’s dramatic win.

His spell included early damage with the new ball and crucial wickets in the second innings, notably Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Washington Sundar.

Determined to help England clinch the series, Jofra Archer pushed through for the fourth Test in Manchester, claiming four wickets for 151 runs.

However, he looked visibly uncomfortable, especially during India’s mammoth second innings where they batted out a draw at 425/4.

With Archer clearly struggling physically, Stuart Broad has urged the team management to avoid risking a long-term injury.

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“We can’t not have Jofra Archer for four years, bring him back and then bowl him into the ground and not see him for another four years,” Broad said.

Broad has called for Gus Atkinson to be given a shot, noting that the young quick hasn’t yet been tested against a top-quality Test opponent.

“I think Gus Atkinson has to play. I know he has not had any workload, but we need to see him. He hasn’t been really challenged against top-level opposition in Test cricket yet,” he said.

Broad also pointed out that Brydon Carse looked “knackered” during the fourth Test and could use a breather, while Josh Tongue, who featured earlier in the series, could be a like-for-like replacement if England opt to rest Jofra Archer.

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Indian legend criticises name order in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for placing James Anderson’s name before Sachin Tendulkar’s in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which has replaced the historic Pataudi Trophy.

The ECB recently announced the rebranding ahead of the ongoing five-match Test series in England.

While a Pataudi Medal will still be awarded to the winning captain, the actual series trophy has been renamed to honour Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson.

Gavaskar, in his Mid-Day column, criticised the decision to award the Pataudi medal to the winning captain, questioning what would occur if the series ended in a draw.

“Why the captain? And what if the series is drawn?” he questioned.

“It would have been better to have the Pataudi Medal for the Player of the Match in every Test, and the Pataudi Trophy for the Player of the Series.

“This way, the Pataudis will be remembered after every Test match played as well as after the series is finished in England.”

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Sunil Gavaskar did not stop there as he questioned the order of names in the new title, expressing surprise that Anderson’s name came before Tendulkar’s.

“The ECB is fully entitled to call the series by any name they choose, but for most, if not all, Indian cricket lovers, it is jarring to know that Anderson’s name comes first,” Gavaskar wrote.

“Not only is Sachin Tendulkar, along with Kapil Dev, the greatest Indian cricketer, but also senior to Anderson by more than a dozen years.

“I hope the Indian media and fans start calling it the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, that’s how it should be.”

The former India captain also drew attention to the staggering difference in the cricketing legacies of both men.

“Tendulkar is numero uno as far as runs and centuries are concerned in Test cricket. Even at the one-day level, he has more runs than anybody else,” Gavaskar noted.

“Anderson is third in the list of wicket-takers in Test cricket, and his record is nowhere as good as Tendulkar’s in one-day cricket.

“Anderson was a terrific bowler, but mainly in English conditions. His record away is nowhere near as good as Tendulkar’s.”

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Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy unveiled for England-India Test series

The new Anderson-Tendulkar trophy honouring the two greats of the game has been unveiled ahead of the Test series between India and England, set to commence tomorrow at Leeds.

The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, a joint initiative between the ECB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will now represent all future Test series between England and India.

Previously, the series in England was played for the Pataudi Trophy and the series in India for the Anthony De Mello Trophy.

The Pataudi family will continue to be honoured, with a newly commissioned Pataudi Medal to be presented to the winning captain of each England–India Test series.

The trophy features imagery of Anderson and Tendulkar in action, along with their engraved signatures– a fitting tribute to two of the game’s most iconic figures.

Both Anderson and Tendulkar are widely regarded as all-time greats. They are the most-capped players in the history of Test cricket: Tendulkar played 200 matches, and Anderson 188.

Anderson, considered one of the finest exponents of swing bowling, took 704 Test wickets, the most by a fast bowler in the format. The Lancashire seamer ranks third on the all-time list, behind only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

Tendulkar, one of the most complete batters to have graced the game, remains the highest run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs. He made his debut at the age of 16 and went on to enjoy a distinguished 24-year international career.

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Speaking on the occasion, James Anderson expressed pride to have his name on this prestigious trophy.

“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and myself. The rivalry between our two nations has always been something special, full of history, intensity and unforgettable moments, James Anderson said.

“To be recognised in this way is a real honour. I’m looking forward to seeing the next chapter unfold in England this summer. It promises to be compelling, competitive cricket – exactly what you’d expect from two great sides. This is elite sport at its finest,” James Anderson added.

Sachin Tendulkar mentioned the longest format of cricket, noting that it teaches a player to fight against all odds.

“For me, Test cricket embodies life – you give your best, and if things go wrong, it gives you another day to regroup, think, unlearn, and bounce back. It is the highest form of the game that teaches you endurance, discipline and adaptability, against all odds. I owe my foundation to Test cricket, as it has seen me grow from disappointments to triumphs, from aspirations to fulfilment, Sachin Tendulkar stated.

Sachin Tendulkar further highlighted both teams’ role in nurturing the future of Test cricket, emphasising the celebration of red-ball cricket.

“India and England have played a big role in shaping Test cricket in a way that it remains an evolving inspiration for subsequent generations.

And now, as I share this recognition with my on-field challenger and an off-field gentleman, James, I hope that the world celebrates the essence of Test cricket even more, allowing it to traverse boundaries yet untrodden,” Sachin Tendulkar concluded.

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