India and England could play for Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, starting next month. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly proposed that future series between the two countries on English soil be named after the two most capped Test players – Sachin Tendulkar (200) and James Anderson (188).

“With the premise that the trophy, be named after most capped players, the BCCI may not have any problems. Besides, it is the prerogative of the ECB,” a BCCI official quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Since 2007, India’s Test tours of England were played for the Pataudi Trophy, which was named in the honour of Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. Earlier this year, the ECB wrote to the late Pataudi’s family that they wanted to retire the trophy.

According to the report, the thought process behind the move is to name the trophy after recently retired legends so that the current generation of fans can relate to it more.

Widely deemed as one of the greatest batters ever, Tendulkar retired from the game as the leading run-getter (15,921) in Test cricket. He also holds the record of most centuries (51) in the traditional format.

On the other hand, Anderson is regarded as one of the finest exponents of swing bowling. His 704 wickets are the most by a pacer in the history of Test cricket. In the all-time list, he sits at No.3 spot, only behind the legendary spinners -- Muthiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

During their playing days, Tendulkar and Anderson were involved in a fierce rivalry. Even though Anderson dismissed Tendulkar nine times, he hailed the Indian maestro as ‘the best batter’ he has bowled to.

Both players well-respected in their respective countries. Tendulkar was bestowed with Bharat Ratna award, India’s highest civilian honour in 2014, months after his retirement from international cricket. Anderson was awarded a knighthood in former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list.