🤑 It doesn’t get more affordable. Grab this 60% OFF Black Friday offer before it disappears…CLAIM SALE

King of swing Anderson passes Botham's record

Published 17/04/2015, 23:04
© Reuters. West Indies v England - First Test

(Reuters) - James Anderson became England's highest wicket-taker in test cricket when he claimed his 384th victim in the drawn first test against West Indies in Antigua on Friday.

The 32-year-old fast bowler surpassed Ian Botham's haul of 383 wickets when he had Denesh Ramdin caught for 57 by Alastair Cook at first slip in the final session on the last day of his 100th test.

"My immediate emotion was we were back in the game," Anderson told Sky Sports television.

"We were hoping to get the win. Great to have my family here as well and taking over from an English legend is a hugely proud moment for me."

Despite Anderson's record England failed to win as West Indies, chasing an unlikely victory target of 438, finished on 350 for seven to keep the three-match series level at 0-0.

"We got into a great position," Anderson said. "We got ourselves back in the game with great hundreds from Belly (Ian Bell) and Gaz (Gary Ballance) but we couldn't find anything in that pitch whatsoever. We tried our hearts out."

Anderson made his test debut against Zimbabwe in 2003 and has been the mainstay of England's pace attack for the last few years thanks to his ability to swing the ball.

He has 16 five-wicket hauls and has twice taken 10 wickets in a match, his best figures of seven for 43 coming against New Zealand in Nottingham in 2008.

"I think the difference from when I started is that I know my game now," Anderson said.

"When I started I didn't have a clue, ran up and bowled as hard as I could. I developed skills. (The record) has not been a target. I love taking wickets for England.

"My target is to keep my place in the side. We have a hugely talented side at the minute and everyone is very excited about where we go."

Former all-rounder Botham, now a Sky commentator, was gracious after losing his record to Anderson.

"I'm delighted for Jimmy. It's been a burden for him and for me. He was always going past it," Botham said.

© Reuters. West Indies v England - First Test

"I've watched him develop those skills. It's not easy to bowl the inswinger and away-swinger with very little detail change but it's great to watch those skills. I enjoy watching him bowl, it's a pleasure to commentate."

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.