In a significant change to a longstanding cricket tradition, the India-England Test series played in England will no longer be contested for the Pataudi Trophy. The upcoming five-match series, starting June 20 at Headingley, will now be known as the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, in honour of two of the sport’s greatest modern legends — Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson.

Tribute to cricketing greats

The decision to rename the series was taken jointly by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), recognising the extraordinary Test careers of Tendulkar and Anderson. Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time, played 200 Test matches for India before retiring in 2013. Anderson, who retired last year, represented England in 188 Tests, becoming the most successful fast bowler in the format’s history.

Both players are expected to jointly unveil the new trophy during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s, before the start of the new WTC cycle.

End of the Pataudi Trophy era

Since 2007, Test series between India and England held in England were played for the Pataudi Trophy, named in honour of the Pataudi family, which has deep ties to both Indian and English cricket. It marked the 75th anniversary of India’s first Test tour to England, with Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi — a celebrated Indian captain — being a central figure in the trophy’s legacy.

In India, however, the same bilateral series has traditionally been played for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, instituted in 1951. It remains to be seen whether this new name will apply to both home and away series, or only those held in England.

New cycle begins amid fresh challenges

The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will kick off a new WTC cycle for both teams. However, the Indian side will begin the campaign without their two star batters — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — who recently announced their retirement from Test cricket. This places added responsibility on younger players like Shubman Gill, who will be under the spotlight as India look to succeed in challenging English conditions.

The five-Test series is expected to be fiercely contested and symbolic, as two cricketing giants are immortalised through a trophy celebrating their contributions to the longest format of the game.

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