Former England fast bowler James Anderson has been awarded a knighthood in ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anderson retired from Test cricket in July 2024 having taken 704 wickets, the most by a fast bowler in the history of the five-day format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 42-year-old is still playing for Lancashire but has missed the start of the English County Championship season with a calf problem.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
“Congratulations Sir Jimmy Anderson. This is a really well-deserved honour for an England legend who has given so much to our sport," said Richard Thompson, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"His skill, determination, and sportsmanship have inspired millions of cricketers and fans alike, in England and around the world."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The resignation honours list is a tradition that gives outgoing Prime Ministers the opportunity to nominate people for honours.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Only spin bowling stars Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708) took more Test wickets than Anderson.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He made his one-day international debut for England against Australia in December 2002 and his Test bow came in May 2003.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anderson finished his international career having played 188 Tests and 194 ODIs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He was nudged into international retirement last year by England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Anderson thinks he could still be playing for another three years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He has signed a one-year deal with Lancashire for the County Championship and Vitality Blast, saying: "I am not ruling out playing for another one, two or three years. We'll see how it goes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n