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Anderson, Lampard get OBE in Queen's birthday honours

June 13, 2015 15:41 IST

James Anderson

Cricket player James Anderson. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

English cricket's leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson and former England football midfielder Frank Lampard were given the OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)in the Queen's birthday honours list while former Wales scrumhalf Gareth Edwards was knighted.

Anderson, 32, became England's leading test wicket taker this year, surpassing Ian Botham's record of 383 victims.

He claimed his 400th wicket in the recent series against New Zealand and is still England's leading fast bowler ahead of this summer's Ashes series against Australia.

"This means an enormous amount to me and my family," Anderson said in an England and Wales Cricket Board statement.

"I'm very proud of my recent achievements and this just caps it off. These achievements wouldn't have been possible without the help and support of my family, friends and everyone at Burnley Cricket Club, Lancashire County Cricket Club and England."

Former Chelsea and Manchester City midfielder Lampard, 36, was honoured for his services to football ahead of his move to Major League Soccer club New York City FC.

Lampard has won the Champions League, Europa League, three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups during a career that started at West Ham United.

"I am delighted to receive this huge honour," said Lampard, who won 106 England caps. "I feel very fortunate to have had such a long and fulfilling career in football.

"This is an extremely proud moment for myself and my family."

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