Quantcast
Channel: ECB Latest News
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 7281

Anderson proud to pass "legend" Botham

$
0
0

James Anderson will have bittersweet memories of his week in Antigua, having become the leading Test wicket-taker in England's history but failing to see them over the line against West Indies.

The hosts lost just five wickets on the final day of the first Test to finish 350 for seven, with two of those falling at Anderson's hand to send him past Sir Ian Botham's 23-year-old record on his 100th appearance.

Anderson now stands alone at the summit on 384 scalps, but he could not fully enjoy the moment as Jason Holder scored a defiant 103 not out to force the draw.

The 32-year-old was able to recognise the significance of the milestone, not least when being congratulated by Botham as he left the field, but his competitive streak left him unfulfilled.

"Taking over from an English legend is a proud moment for me," he said.

"My immediate thought was that we were back in the game, that we'd opened an end up to get a sniff of winning the game.

"But when we got together as a group and the guys started congratulating me it started to sink in then, which was nice.

"A lot of my mates were out there and great that my family were there too.

James Anderson removes Denesh Ramdin to take over from Ian Botham as England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker

"But we tried everything out there to win the game: different fields, cutters, reverse-swing.

"It's frustrating in that respect, but I'm happy to have got that out of the way."

It was fitting that Cook was stationed at slip to pouch the edge that took Anderson past the landmark, with the pair forming a strong on-and-off-field bond over their years in the side together.

"It's not necessarily that he took the catch, just that he was on the field when I did it," said Anderson.

"We've played a lot together and it means a lot, to him as well as me.

"But I wouldn't have forgiven him if he'd dropped it."

Anderson also revealed that Botham had promised him a celebratory drink when the pair return to England next month.

"I saw him as we left the field and he congratulated me, which was nice. He said something about alcohol and sharing a glass," said Anderson.

"He could have made the effort and brought it out here but he says he's got a nice bottle waiting at home, which is really kind of him."


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 7281

Trending Articles