Anderson proud to join exclusive 400 club

England

After becoming the first England cricketer to take 400 wickets in Test cricket, James Anderson said it was a proud moment to join bowlers who he admired to achieve the exclusive landmark.

Coming into the second Test against New Zealand on 399 scalps, Anderson had opener Martin Guptill caught at second slip by Ian Bell in the third over of the innings.

The paceman is the 12th player in the history of cricket in the longest format to achieve the milestone, joining legendary fast bowlers including Glenn McGrath, Courtney Walsh and Wasim Akram.

Anderson said: "It's a nice feeling and it was a proud moment for me. It feels a bit surreal when you see the list of guys who have done it, guys I've watched and admired over the years. I knew it was there so it was nice to get it out the way early so I could try to concentrate on bowling.

The now 35 year-old Anderson has, along with Stuart Broad, been the leader of the English attack for a number of years, but he welcomes the emergence of the younger generation of seamers coming through in county cricket.

Anderson continued: "It's been a good period for me and Stuart Broad; we've always relied on bowling economically but seeing these guys come in is quite a fresh feel to the side. It is rubbing off on us and it's good for someone like me, who is almost over the hill.

"These guys give you a kick up the backside. You can't help but admire the way they play."

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