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"I Feel Out Of Place": James Anderson Opens Up On Sharing Name With Tendulkar

Soumyajit Dutta

James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar [Source: @BCCI/X.com]James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar [Source: @BCCI/X.com]

England's legendary fast bowler James Anderson has expressed profound humility and a sense of disbelief at having a Test series trophy named jointly after himself and Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar. The 42-year-old, despite his record-breaking 700+ Test wickets, admitted feeling unworthy of sharing the honour with a player he holds in the highest regard.

James Anderson Reacts To Trophy Named After Him

For the unaware, the newly unveiled Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will now be contested in all future Test series between India and England, replacing the previous Pataudi Trophy (used in England) and Anthony de Mello Trophy (used in India).

Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket in a video on their YouTube channel, Anderson's reverence for Tendulkar was clear as he reacted to the Trophy being named after him.

“I feel completely out of place when I see myself alongside him (Sachin Tendulkar) with the trophy. As I said, I hold him in such high regard," Anderson said.

He revealed a persistent sense of detachment from his own achievements as he stressed on the disbelief of him being named alongside Sachin Tendulkar.

“It is strange that when people talk about what I have achieved in cricket, like when I hear about it as if someone's talking about someone else, if that makes sense. Like, I don't feel it is me who has achieved all this. It sounds really strange, but that is how my head works. I just can't quite believe the things that come with playing for such a long time,” Anderson said.

Anderson Expresses Pride Amidst Disbelief

Contrasting his humility, James Anderson had acknowledged the significance of the honour at the unveiling ceremony.

“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,” Anderson concluded.

What's Up For Anderson?

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old England bowling legend, is set to make his debut in The Hundred after being picked by Manchester Originals in the wildcard draft on July 15. If he plays, Anderson will become the second-oldest participant in the tournament’s history. 

Earlier, Anderson made his T20 return after 11 years, taking 14 wickets for Lancashire in the T20 Blast 2024. With 55 domestic T20 wickets and 18 in 19 internationals, his experience remains valuable.