Strauss: Next Ashes 'Too Far' for Anderson, but England Legend Should Recieve Knighthood

Andrew Strauss has called for James Anderson to be knighted as England's great prepares to play his final Test match at Lord's this week.

With 700 career wickets taken at an average of 26.52 already in Test cricket—making him the all-time leading pace bowler—and England's most-capped cricketer, "Sir Jimmy" looks a fitting honor.

Strauss, who captained Anderson in 42 Tests and latterly worked with the bowler as ECB's director of men's cricket, described a knighthood as "the least" the 41-year-old deserved for his longevity and achievements. Strauss himself was awarded a knighthood in 2019 for services to charity, sport and cricket.

"Very much so! I think any fast bowler that plays 188 Test matches deserves a knighthood, I'll put it that way," Strauss said when asked if Anderson should be knighted.

Though Strauss did say that the upcoming Ashes series in 2025 may come a bit too hot on the heels of the veteran seamer.

"Jimmy's still bowling well, as we saw from his performances at Lancashire [where he took 7 for 35 last week] but there's a ticking clock there for the next Ashes, isn't there?" Strauss said. "I think 18 games until the next Ashes. And at some stage you've got to juggle the needs for the future with the needs for the present."

Even Strauss himself felt that it was the right time for England to think about the future and start making plans for life beyond him, notwithstanding the enduring class of Anderson, who made his Test retirement 12 years ago after playing alongside Anderson.

"For success here in Australia, or to win any test match or any Test series, it all comes down to the quality and variety of your bowling attack. And so, to me, the next Ashes is too far away for Jimmy," Strauss explained.

Where I do understand that replacing a legend like Anderson isn't easy, Strauss acknowledges calling time on the veteran pacer before the 2025 Ashes tour could be the right call.

"The boots that need to be filled are immense. But I can understand why this is the right time," Strauss said.

It will be an emotional farewell at Lord's, Anderson's last Test, this week, in a very special way. Day two at the famous cricketing venue will see the ground turn red for a fantastic cause under the #RedForRuth campaign by the Ruth Strauss Foundation; Strauss will be there to see it, thus having set up the charity in memory of his late wife, bringing an end to an era of England cricket.