England and India will play for the new 'Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy', starting with the five-match Test series on June 20 in Leeds.

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. Likewise, the India versus England Test series played in India was called the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after a former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

On the eve of the marquee series, the legendary duo of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson unveiled the 'Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy', which will now be the prized possession for bilateral Test contest between India and England.

The trophy features imagery of Tendulkar’s iconic cover drive and Anderson’s signature bowling action along with the two cricket greats' engraved signatures.

"The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, a joint initiative between the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will now represent all future Test series between England and India. Previously, the series in England was played for the Pataudi Trophy and the series in India for the Anthony De Mello Trophy," a joint statement from the two cricket boards read.

Notably, the Pataudi family will continue to be associated with the India-England Test series. A newly commissioned Pataudi Medal to be presented to the winning captain of each England–India Test series, starting from the 2025 edition.

Widely deemed as one of the greatest batters ever, Sachin 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.

Tendulkar reflected on the new trophy, saying it was an honour to share the recognition with Anderson.

“For me, Test cricket embodies life – you give your best, and if things go wrong, it gives you another day to regroup, think, unlearn, and bounce back. It is the highest form of the game that teaches you endurance, discipline and adaptability, against all odds. I owe my foundation to Test cricket, as it has seen me grow from disappointments to triumphs, from aspirations to fulfilment.

"India and England have played a big role in shaping Test cricket in a way that it remains an evolving inspiration for subsequent generations. And now, as I share this recognition with my on-field challenger and an off-field gentleman James, I hope that the world celebrates the essence of Test cricket even more - allowing it to traverse boundaries yet untrodden.”

James Anderson too left a massive mark on the game and 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 -- Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

Reflecting on the proud moment, Anderson said: “It’s a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and myself. The rivalry between our two nations has always been something special, full of history, intensity and unforgettable moments.

“To be recognised in this way is a real honour. I’m looking forward to seeing the next chapter unfold in England this summer. It promises to be compelling, competitive cricket - exactly what you’d expect from two great sides. This is elite sport at its finest.”