England opening bowler James Anderson has broken England’s record for the most Test match wickets as he overtook legend Sir Ian Botham’s record of 383 wickets when he dismissed West Indies batsmen Denesh Ramdin, caught at first slip by captain Alastair Cook.
Fittingly Anderson achieved the milestone in his 100th Test match as England strived for victory against the West Indies in Antigua in the first Test of the series.
James Anderson has had to wait all winter for the opportunity to beat Ian Botham’s record as the match in Antigua was England’s first Test match since the last English summer when England played India. This winter has seen international cricket focus on one-day cricket prior to the recent World Cup so opportunities in Test cricket have been non-existent for Anderson of late.
Although Antigua has proved to be a sluggish pitch for the bowlers Anderson has toiled away impressively and has been rewarded for his efforts by eventually over-taking Botham’s record.
Anderson has had an excellent time in an England shirt after beginning his international career in 2003 when he took a five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe at Lords. He has not looked back since that game.
The 32-year-old Lancastrian has had a distinguished international career helping England to number one in the World rankings whilst also being part of three Ashes series victories.
He is still regarded as England’s number one bowler and a very influential senior player in the side. With a packed summer of Test match cricket, after the West Indies tour, Anderson is sure to increase his Test match wicket record if injury and health continue to favour him.
England’s top wicket-takers:
James Anderson 384 in 100 Tests
Ian Botham 383 in 102 Tests
Bob Willis 325 in 90 Tests
Fred Trueman 307 in 67 Tests
Derek Underwood 297 in 86 Tests
Main Photo: James Anderson via Getty Images/England Cricket Collection
