England’s top Test wicket-taker, James Anderson, has been granted knighthood for his contributions to cricket. The 43-year-old was knighted by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. Anderson was recognized in the resignation honours list of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in April, making him the sole sports figure to receive this distinction.
Having amassed 704 wickets in 188 Test matches spanning a 22-year international career, Anderson holds the title of the most successful pace bowler in Test cricket history. Only Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka and Shane Warne from Australia have claimed more wickets.
Although he bid farewell to Test cricket in July 2024 following a farewell game at Lord’s, Anderson continues to represent his childhood team, Lancashire. Talks are underway for a potential one-year contract extension that could see him playing beyond his 44th birthday into the 2026 season.
With his knighthood, Anderson joins a prestigious group of English cricket legends, including Sir Ian Botham, Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Sir Alastair Cook, and Sir Andrew Strauss.