James Anderson Knighted: England’s Cricket Legend Honored for Outstanding Career

James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler and all-time leading Test wicket-taker, has been awarded a knighthood in former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list, released on Friday, April 11, 2025.

 This prestigious recognition comes less than a year after Anderson’s retirement from Test cricket in July 2024, capping off an illustrious 22-year international career.

Anderson’s knighthood acknowledges his extraordinary contributions to cricket, particularly his unparalleled achievements in Test matches. The 42-year-old concluded his Test career with a remarkable tally of 704 wickets at an average of 26.45.

This feat solidifies his position as the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket history and places him third on the all-time list of Test wicket-takers, behind only spin bowling legends Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).

Throughout his career, Anderson demonstrated exceptional skill, longevity, and consistency:

• He played 188 Test matches, second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s 200.
• He took 32 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, ranking seventh overall and first among fast bowlers.
• Anderson claimed 123 wickets at Lord’s alone, making him one of only four bowlers to take over 100 Test wickets at a single venue.

Perhaps most impressively, Anderson’s performance actually improved with age. From 2014 onwards, when he was already 31 years old, he took an astonishing 364 wickets at an average of 22.57, significantly better than his average in the first decade of his career.

Anderson’s final Test match was a fitting end to his international career, as he took four wickets in a victory over the West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024. Although he has stepped away from international duties, Anderson continues to play for Lancashire in domestic cricket.

He has expressed openness to playing for another one to three years, depending on his performance and the team’s needs.