The upcoming Test series between India and England is set to witness a historic change, with the Pataudi Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Test series played in England since 2007, reportedly being renamed the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. This decision pays tribute to two modern-day legends of the game, Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, both of whom have had a significant impact on Test cricket. The five-match series is scheduled to commence on June 20 at Headingley.
The Pataudi Trophy was first introduced in 2007 to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Test match between India and England. It was named after the Pataudi family, which boasts two Indian captains: Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, famously known as "Tiger" Pataudi. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi has the unique distinction of having played Test cricket for both England and India.
Sachin Tendulkar, often regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, holds the record for the most runs in Test history, amassing 15,921 runs in 200 Test matches between 1989 and 2013. James Anderson, on the other hand, is England's all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 704 wickets in 188 matches. Anderson retired from international cricket in 2024 but continues to play county cricket for Lancashire and also serves as a bowling consultant.
Tendulkar and Anderson have faced each other in 14 Test matches, with Anderson dismissing Tendulkar nine times, the most by any bowler against the Indian batting maestro.
The decision to rename the trophy follows a similar move by England and New Zealand, who introduced the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy last year, named after former players Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe.
The India-England Test series holds a rich history, with the first Test between the two nations played in 1932. Prior to the introduction of the Pataudi Trophy, India had played 14 Test series in England, with England winning 11, India winning 2, and one series ending in a draw. India's first series victory in England came in 1971, after 15 Test defeats. Before 2007, India's previous Test series win came in 1986, winning the three-match tournament by 2-0. India last won a Test series in England in 2007, claiming a 1-0 victory in a three-match series.
The renaming of the trophy to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy marks a new chapter in the rivalry between India and England. It remains to be seen whether the Anthony de Mello Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Test series in India, will also be renamed.
