The new corporate shift for Indian athletics

In a landmark domestic feat, four of India's fastest sprinters recently shattered the men's 4x100m national record, which had stood unbroken for 15 years.

- Avishek Roy

MUMBAI: India's Test tours of England could soon have a new name — Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. The ECB are known to have proposed that future series between the two countries on English soil be named after the two most capped players — Sachin Tendulkar (200) and James Anderson (188) — in Tests. "With the premise that the trophy, be named after most capped players, the BCCI may not have any problems. Besides, it is the prerogative of the ECB," a BCCI official said.

India's Test tours of England were previously played for the Pataudi Trophy, which was named after Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. In March, the ECB wrote to the late Pataudi's family that they wanted to retire the trophy.

The thinking behind the move is to name the series after recently retired legends so that the current generation of fans can relate to it more.

Tendulkar went on to become the highest run scorer (15,921) in Tests. Similarly, Anderson's 704 Test wickets are the most by a fast bowler. He is No.3 overall, only behind spinners Muthiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

Both enjoyed a legendary rivalry. Even though Anderson dismissed Tendulkar on nine occasions, he called the Indian 'the best batter' he has bowled to.

They are a well-respected pair. Tendulkar was awarded with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour in 2014, months after his retirement. Anderson was awarded knighthood in former England Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list.

An official word from ECB is awaited.