James Anderson Breaks Wicket Record
Burnley born cricketer, James Anderson surpassed Sir Ian Botham as England’s highest test wicket-taker with his 384th dismissal in his 100th match. Anderson, 32, had West Indies’ Denesh Ramdin caught at first slip on the final day of the first Test in Antigua, which give him the record.
The seamer, who began the test on 380 wickets, roared with delight and was mobbed by his team-mates. Ramdin’s departure left West Indies 294-7 as they attempted to bat out the final day to secure a draw.
Lancashire’s Anderson, bettered Sir Ian Botham’s tally in two matches fewer as England pressed for victory at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in the first Test of the three-match series.
Having taken two wickets in the first innings, Anderson had to wait until an hour of play remained before he located Ramdin’s edge, removing the West Indies captain for 57 courtesy of a smart catch by Alastair Cook and ending a seventh-wicket stand of 105.
England’s Top Test Wicket-Takers
James Anderson 384 (Wickets), 100 (Tests), 29.74 (Average) 2003 – Present
Ian Botham 383 (Wickets), 102 (Tests), 28.40 (Average) 1977 – 1992
Bob Willis 325 (Wickets), 90 (Tests), 25.20 (Average) 1971 – 1984
Fred Trueman 307 (Wickets), 67 (Tests), 21.57 (Average) 1952 – 1965
Derek Underwood 297 (Wickets), 86 (Tests), 25.83 (Average) 1977 – 1992
Speaking on Twitter after Anderson broke the record, previous record holder Sir Ian Botham said, “Great moment for Jimmy and his family, Congratulations, you deserve it. Awesome!!
Former England captain Michael Vaughan told Test Match Special, “What a bowler Jimmy Anderson has been for England, a joy to watch throughout the years.”
Anderson’s former England all-rounder and Lancashire team-mate Andrew Flintoff told BBC Sport, “Jimmy will be remembered for generations and generations to come. He’s an England great at the minute. However, he could play for another three years and end up being one of the world’s great Test cricketers.”
West Indies bowling coach Sir Curtly Ambrose, who took 405 Test wickets, described Anderson as “a wonderful bowler”, adding: “To have played 100 Tests and taken so many wickets is some achievement.”
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