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    Andrew Strauss Advocates for Knighthood for James Anderson
Andrew Strauss Advocates for Knighthood for James Anderson
Andrew Strauss and James Anderson. Source: reddit.com/r/Cricket

Andrew Strauss Advocates for Knighthood for James Anderson

Andrew Strauss has suggested that James Anderson should be knighted as the legendary England bowler approaches his 188th and final Test cap at Lord's this week.

Anderson, renowned as Test cricket's most successful pace bowler with 700 wickets at an average of 26.52, is England's most capped player. The title "Sir Jimmy" seems almost inevitable.

Strauss, himself knighted in 2019 by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to charity, sport, and cricket, has witnessed Anderson's brilliance firsthand. He captained Anderson for 42 Tests and later worked as the ECB's director of men's cricket. Reflecting on Anderson's career and longevity, Strauss remarked that any fast bowler who plays 188 Test matches certainly deserves a knighthood.

Previously, Strauss had attempted to move on from Anderson and Stuart Broad following a disastrous 2021-22 Ashes series. As interim director of cricket after Ashley Giles' departure, he dropped both players for a tour of the West Indies. However, their absence was brief as Ben Stokes reinstated them for the home summer in his first act as Test captain. Now, two years later, Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum, and men's managing director Rob Key have decided it is time for Anderson to retire.

Strauss noted that Anderson is still performing well, as evidenced by his recent seven-wicket haul for Lancashire. However, he acknowledged the need to plan for the future, particularly with 18 games remaining until the next Ashes series. He explained that balancing present needs with future planning necessitated this timing for Anderson's retirement.

Strauss highlighted the importance of having a high-quality and diverse bowling attack to win in Australia or any Test series. While acknowledging Anderson's continued resilience, Strauss indicated that the next Ashes series feels too far away for the veteran bowler.

Reflecting on Anderson's career, Strauss highlighted the significance of the upcoming Test at Lord's, which will allow Anderson to receive the appreciation he deserves from the cricketing public. He anticipates an emotional and poignant match, recognising the immense legacy Anderson leaves behind.

Strauss will be present for Anderson's farewell, with Lord's turning red on the second day to support the Ruth Strauss Foundation's RedForRuth campaign. Now in its sixth year, the initiative raises funds and awareness for the charity established in memory of Strauss' late wife, supporting families facing the death of a parent from cancer and funding research into non-smoking lung cancers.

Strauss expressed pride in the foundation's work, acknowledging the critical support from the ECB, Lord's, and the cricket community. He noted that while the foundation's work is only beginning, the "Red for Ruth" Test match is crucial to their efforts.

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