England’s leading wicket-taker Anderson to be knighted

James Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, is to receive a knighthood for his services to cricket.
Anderson, 42, retired from Test cricket last summer with 704 wickets, making him the most successful pace bowler in the format’s history. He made his international debut in a one-day match against Australia in December 2002, followed by his Test debut in May 2003.
Over a two-decade international career, Anderson played 188 Tests, 194 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 19 T20 Internationals for England.
The Lancashire bowler has been named in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list and is the only sportsperson to be recognised.

Anderson decided to retire from international cricket after discussions with England head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, who expressed a desire to develop a new pace attack for the future. He was given an emotional send-off during the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s last July, after which he joined the England backroom staff as a fast-bowling mentor.
Although he no longer holds a formal coaching position, Anderson may continue to support the England squad this summer. His current focus, however, is on continuing his playing career with Lancashire.

Despite not having played since retiring from international cricket, Anderson has signed a deal to represent the Red Rose county this season. The Burnley-born pacer recently said he isn’t ruling out playing for up to three more years.
He is currently sidelined with a calf injury sustained during pre-season training, ruling him out of the opening fixtures of the County Championship.
Anderson made his Lancashire debut in white-ball cricket in 2000, before making his red-ball debut in 2002. Over his career, he has taken 1,114 first-class wickets, 358 in List A matches, and 41 in T20s. (BBC Sport)