James Anderson overtakes Ian Botham as England's highest wicket-taker in Test matches

James Anderson celebrates after taking the record-breaking wicket

In the 1st Test match of England’s tour of West Indies, James Anderson sent Denesh Ramdin back to the pavillion in the fourth innings to overtake Sir Ian Botham as England’s highest wicket-take in Test matches. Anderson now stands in the elite list of England’s pace bowlers.

In his 100th Test match, Anderson bowled a leg cutter, which went away from Ramdin a bit and the West Indian nicked one to slip, where the waiting Alastair Cook went to his left and took a brilliant catch to get Jimmy’s name in the record books.

A glorious Test career

Anderson made his debut back in May, 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s. He had a brilliant start as he took 5 wickets in his first innings to send the African team tumbling and set up the platform for England’s win. Despite returning without any wicket in the second innings, everyone stood up and took note of the seamer who announced his name at the international arena in style.

Since then, Anderson has led the England bowling attack with the flair and aggression, which England lacked before his arrival. His swing bowling is as lethal to the batsmen as it is pleasing to the viewers of the game.

His best figures in a match came against Asian side Pakistan at Nottingham in 2010, when he sent 11 Pakistani batsmen back to the pavillion, taking 5 wickets in the first innings and 6 in the third. England won the Test by 354 runs as Anderson scooped up the man of the match award. He took 7/43 against New Zealand to register his best figures in a single inning back in 2008.

Anderson compared to England greats

Ian Botham, in his glorious career, took 383 wickets in 102 matches (168 innings) at a strike rate of 56.9 and an average of 28.4. He is considered to be the greatest cricketer England have produced.

But, comparing Anderson to Botham shouldn’t really be an odd comparison as the former has been extremely efficient in the longer format of the game, despite taking most of his wickets at home. Out of the 384 wickets he has taken so far, the 32-year-old has taken 250 of them at home. Ever since his debut, he has carved a niche for himself in England’s fabric and proved to be a scourge for batsmen.

Bowler	Wickets	Matches (Innings)	Average	Strike Rate
James Anderson	384	100 (187)	29.77	58.3
Ian Botham	383	102 (168)	28.40	56.9
Bob Willis	325	90 (165)	25.20	53.4
Fred Trueman	307	67 (127)	21.57	49.4

Jimmy, as Anderson is fondly called, had recently been compared to Botham by another cricket great, Sir Vivian Richards. And going by Anderson’s career so far, that comparison seems appropriate as Jimmy as has swung his way into England’s history books.

The Barmy army would hope they can continue to witness Anderson on the pitch for a long time and sing his song to propel him to further heights.

Oh Jimmy, Jimmy! Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy, Jimmy Anderson!