A fitting honour for a record-breaking career
James Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, has been awarded a knighthood in recognition of his remarkable cricketing career and service to the sport. The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle on October 28, 2025, where Princess Anne officially conferred the honour.
The 43-year-old was named in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list earlier this year. His knighthood now cements his legacy not just as one of cricket’s greatest bowlers, but also as a symbol of excellence in English sport.
Arise, Sir James Anderson! 🤩👏
A special day for @jimmy9 as he received his knighthood from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle!
The greatest fast bowler to ever do it. 🐐
🌹 #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/4H9MmTcQsk
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) October 28, 2025
Arise Sir Jimmy ⚔️
England's leading Test wicket-taker has received his knighthood 🏏 pic.twitter.com/CEpjyaJ0i7
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) October 28, 2025
Anderson’s unmatched achievements with the ball
Anderson brought his illustrious 21-year international career to an end in July 2024 at Lord’s, retiring as the most successful fast bowler in the history of Test cricket. His final tally of 704 Test wickets places him third on the all-time list, behind only legendary spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
He also remains England’s leading wicket-taker in One Day Internationals, with 269 wickets in 194 matches. In the T20I format, Anderson played 19 matches and took 18 wickets before focusing exclusively on red-ball cricket.
A legacy that continues beyond international cricket
Following his international retirement, Anderson continued to feature prominently in domestic cricket. He played for Lancashire throughout the 2025 season, even making a successful return to T20 cricket after a decade-long absence. His performances helped guide the club to Finals Day at Edgbaston.
He was also picked up as a wildcard signing by the Manchester Originals in The Hundred, and discussions are reportedly ongoing regarding his continued involvement in county cricket for the 2026 season.
A summer of tributes and milestones
Earlier in 2025, England and India competed in the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a new bilateral Test series named in honour of two of the modern game’s most iconic figures. The gesture further underlined Anderson’s global standing and the respect he commands across the cricketing world.
With his knighthood now formalised, Sir James Anderson joins a select group of cricketers to be honoured at the highest level by the British state — a recognition of both his longevity and unmatched excellence with the ball.
As England moves into a new era, Anderson’s contributions will continue to shape the narrative of English cricket — a legacy now immortalised in royal honour.
