Slazenger creates commemorative flag to celebrate James Anderson’s England wicket-taking record

Former England captain Mike Gatting was the first to write a congratulatory message for James Anderson

Sports brand Slazenger has commissioned a commemorative giant flag which will be touring the country this week to celebrate brand ambassador Jimmy Anderson breaking the England Test wicket record.

The 32-year-old eclipsed Sir Ian Botham’s England record of 383 wickets in the drawn first Test against West Indies in Antigua on Friday.

The tour will see the 14m x 10m flag visit different parts of the country, where celebrities and members of the public will be invited to pen a celebratory message for Jimmy.

The flag was unveiled at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Monday, where former England captain Mike Gatting was the first to write a congratulatory message with the flag on the outfield at Lord’s.

Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio, former England cricket international Darren Gough and England bowler Steve Finn have also penned messages for Anderson.

The tour sees the flag stop off in Birmingham today, with further stops in Nottingham, Manchester and Newcastle, ending in Jimmy’s hometown of Burnley on Saturday.

Members of the public wishing to sign the flag can stay up to date on the tour by following @SlazengerSport on Twitter.