A report in the Sunday Times has stated that England fast bowler James Anderson missed out on knighthood because of England’s impending Ashes tour in 2021.
James Anderson, who completed 600 Test wickets in the English summer last year, and was set to be handed a knighthood in the New Year Honours list according to the report. However, it was thought that the decision would be unwise considering he is an active cricketer set to embark on a tour Down Under later this year for the Ashes.
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According to the report, headlined ‘James Anderson missed out on knighthood due to fears of Australia sledging during Ashes’,
a source revealed: “I don’t think we’d send out Jimmy Anderson to face the Australians with a knighthood.” Last year, Anderson had quashed retirement rumours stating he desires to continue playing for England at least till the Ashes later this year.
The decision to perhaps delay honouring their most successful pacer could have stemmed from previous experience. After the Ashes 2005 triumph at home, England’s team were awarded MBEs and OBEs.
Should I bring up the MBE with Paul Collingwood on commentary during the second test or let it go ? Hahahaha
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 21, 2012
But it came back to bite them in the return series next year where they lost 5-0. Alastair Cook, Anderson’s former Test captain, was knighted last year after he retired from international cricket.
