England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, James Anderson, has been awarded a knighthood in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list, released on Friday.
Anderson, 42, retired from Test cricket in July 2024 after claiming 704 wickets, the most by any fast bowler in the history of the format and third overall behind only spin greats Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
Though he has stepped away from international duties, Anderson continues to play for Lancashire, despite missing the start of the 2025 County Championship season with a calf injury.
The knighthood recognises a glittering two-decade career that began with his ODI debut in 2002 and a Test debut the following year. Anderson finished his international career with 188 Tests and 194 ODIs under his belt.
He was gently nudged into retirement by England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum last year, but the veteran seamer has not ruled out an extended run in domestic cricket.
“I am not ruling out playing for another one, two or three years. We'll see how it goes,” Anderson said.
“I could get a month in and think ‘absolutely not’ but I could have a great year, we could win everything and they might want to keep me next year so we’ll just have to wait and see.”
The resignation honours list allows departing British Prime Ministers to recommend individuals for awards in recognition of their contributions to public life.
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