I feel out of place: James Anderson on sharing trophy name with Sachin Tendulkar

New Delhi: England legend James Anderson admitted that seeing his name alongside Sachin Tendulkar on a trophy feels "completely out of place", calling it a huge honour to be associated with one of cricket's greatest icons.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has recently named the Test series between India and England as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The decision was taken to recognise two giants of the game. For years, the series played in England was contested for the Pataudi Trophy, named after the Pataudi family, who have a rich legacy in Indian cricket. But the 42-year-old fast bowler feels different about the change, as having his name next to Tendulkar's feels more than just having a trophy carry his name.

Anderson told Sky Sports, "It’s not just about having a trophy named after you, but sharing it with Sachin Tendulkar, who for me is one of the greatest cricketers to have ever lived." James shared how he grew up watching Tendulkar bat and later had the chance to bowl against him on the field.

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

Both players have left an incredible mark on Test cricket. Tendulkar played a record 200 Tests for India while Anderson featured in 188 matches for England and took 704 wickets. He also became the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the game's history. Anderson and Tendulkar faced each other multiple times during the late 2000s and the Englishman often spoke about the challenges of bowling to the Master Blaster.

Now retired, Anderson reflected on his career with humility, admitting that it sometimes feels strange when people speak about his achievements. He shared, "It is strange that when people talk about what I have achieved in cricket, it feels like they are talking about someone else. I don’t feel it’s me who has done all this."

Currently, England leads the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 201 with the fourth Test set to begin in Manchester on Wednesday. As the series continues, the shared legacy of two of cricket's finest will inspire the next generation, reminding fans of the respect and sportsmanship that define the game.