Anderson within touching distance of Botham record
Former captain and fast bowler Sir Ian Botham is eager to see seamer James Anderson become England's leading wicket-taker in Test match cricket later this year.
Former captain and fast bowler Sir Ian Botham is eager to see seamer James Anderson become England's leading wicket-taker in Test match cricket later this year.
Anderson secured 12 wickets in series defeat to Sri Lanka earlier in 2014 – and this month clinched 25 more in three-one victory over India. His career tally has grown to 380, four shy of surpassing Botham's 384.
"I am looking forward to it – it will be a great moment – and I can't think of anyone better to go past me because people don't realise the amount of hard work that goes in to bowl as he does," Botham told <i>Sky Sports</i>.
"Anderson has been the leader of the attack now for the best part of four or five years, so congratulations Jimmy – you're almost there – and we'll enjoy that moment when it comes.'
England's schedule will be lined with limited-overs fixtures, including the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, until April and May 2015's three Tests against the West Indies in Antigua, Grenada and Barbados.
"There is a lot of tough cricket coming but I think you want to be in the mix – you want to be in the hottest place in the kitchen – and Jimmy will want to be leading that attack for a while yet," added Botham.
Latest
-
NewsLaurie Evans and Sam Curran’s century stand inspires Surrey to another Blast win
Curran’s career-best 72 not out featured six maximums and five other boundaries.
-
NewsEbony Rainford-Brent praises ECB stance on historical racist and sexist tweets
Sussex seamer Robinson has issued an apology for posts he sent in 2012 and 2013.
-
NewsEngland frustrated by umpiring decision before Dan Lawrence’s late breakthrough
An unexpected breakthrough off the final ball of the day raising the home side’s flagging spirits.
-
NewsEngland less than impressed by decision to rule out early wicket – Jon Lewis
The tourists would have been 32 for two in the 10th over had the on-field umpires given Devon Conway out when he edged Stuart Broad to third slip.
-
NewsEngland endure frustrating day to leave New Zealand in charge of second Test
The tourists closed just 74 behind on 229 for three – with an unexpected breakthrough off the final ball of the day raising the home side’s flagging
-
NewsNew Zealand make England suffer after controversial Devon Conway decision
Conway appeared to be caught out when on 22 but he was given not out and ended the afternoon session on 78.
-
NewsMichael Holding: England footballers showing some backbone by taking the knee
Former pace bowler Holding was less impressed with the ‘moment of unity’ from England and New Zealand’s cricketers.
-
NewsDan Lawrence misses out on maiden Test century as England post 303
Stuart Broad dismissed Tom Latham as New Zealand reached lunch on 43 for one in reply.
-
NewsWill Jacks leads Surrey to opening Blast victory over Middlesex
Opener Finn Allen made an unbeaten 73 to lead Lancashire to victory.
-
NewsCrowd brings colour back to Edgbaston as England avoid batting collapse
The ground welcomed 18,000 fans on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand.