England great Anderson knighted for services to cricket

England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson has been knighted for his services to cricket on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old received the honour from the Princess Royal during a ceremony at Windsor Castle. Anderson was named in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list in April, becoming the only sportsperson to be recognised.

The fast bowler took 704 wickets in 188 Tests over a 22-year international career, making him the most successful pace bowler in Test history. Only Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan and Australia's Shane Warne have taken more wickets.

Anderson retired from Test cricket in July 2024 after a farewell match at Lord's but continues to play for his boyhood club Lancashire. He is reportedly in talks over a one-year extension that could see him play into the 2026 season, beyond his 44th birthday.

His knighthood places him among a distinguished group of English cricket icons, including Sir Ian Botham, Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Sir Alastair Cook, and Sir Andrew Strauss.