Old Trafford's Pavillion End set to be renamed as the James Anderson End

England speedster James Anderson will be rewarded with a huge honour when Old Trafford’s Pavillion End gets renamed after his name on 4th August that is a Thursday. It is set to be given the name of the James Anderson End for his outstanding contributions to English cricket. The bowler has been the all-time leading wicket taker in Tests for the Three Lions with 480 wickets from 125 Test matches.

As Anderson nears the 500 wicket mark, the change of name comes as a tribute to the bowler. It is also to recognize the Lancastrian’s excellence since he made his debut for the county in 2002. The 35-year-old cricketer has been on song in the ongoing series too with 13 wickets to his name at an average of 17.53. He has conceded less than two and a half runs an over.

Anderson stated that he has been left speechless at the club’s big decision. According to Anderson, players usually get this kind of an honour after retiring, and it is a major achievement in his career to get a stand named after him during his playing days.

What Anderson had to say:

“I’m blown away really by the gesture from the club,” he said. “It’s usually something that happens when people have stopped playing but it’s a huge honour for me especially because of the love I’ve got for this club. I’ve been here for 15 years and longer than that if you count the years I’ve been supporting. Hopefully, my family will be here tomorrow to see it.”Anderson said.

Anderson’s average at his home ground of Old Trafford has been better than his career average. Though Anderson has been prolific playing at Old Trafford, he is yet to pick up a five wicket haul here. Anderson admitted that the team is now focusing on winning the series against South Africa which will mark their first home series win against The Proteas since 1998.

“We’ve got a series to win and it’s going to be an exciting week for us. We’ve got a lot to play for,” said Anderson.

Speaking about his fitness issues, Anderson said “I’ve felt really good this series,” Anderson said. “Barring slipping in the shower or a back spasm overnight, I’ll have played all four games in this series. For me that’s a positive thing. I’ve had a couple of injuries over the last 12 to 18 months so staying fit is a priority.”

Anderson showered praise on Joe Root as a captain and how he shuffled his bowlers. “He’s [Root] got other people to tell me I’m stopping bowling,” Anderson said jokingly. “He’s been great. He’s taken to the captaincy brilliantly. We’ve bowled in short spells, he’s changed things when he thinks batsmen are getting settled and the bowlers have all bought in to that.”

Anderson pointed out that he wishes to achieve more in the coming future. With his primary aim being the Ashes, the bowler said that he would like to win it with this team. Anderson believes that the current England squad has tremendous potential and can be the very best in the world.

I’d like to win the Ashes again,” he said. “This team can achieve great things in the next couple of years and I’d like to be a part of it. We’ve been inconsistent recently but we have glimpses of being a very good team. That’s what keeps me going and keeps me hungry to play the game.”