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James Anderson has surpassed Sir Ian Botham’s record to become England’s leading Test wicket-taker of all time.
The Lancashire seamer achieved the milestone in his 100th Test when Alastair Cook caught Denesh Ramdin for 57 with just under 19 overs left on day five of the opening Test against the West Indies in Antigua.
The historic moment wasn’t the catalyst for an England victory though as Jason Holder dug in to score his maiden Test century as the tourists – who began the day on 98-2 after being set 438 to win – survived on a flat pitch to salvage a draw, reaching 350-7 at stumps.
Anderson, 32, began the final day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on 382 Test wickets, one behind Botham, whose career spanned 102 matches.
He moved level with the former all-rounder and Sky Sports pundit by dismissing Marlon Samuels for 23, James Tredwell taking a fine catch at gully, with the second ball of the 16th over of the day to leave the home side on 127-4.
But England claimed only two more wickets in the next 55 overs – those of Shivnarine Chanderpaul (13) and Jermaine Blackwood (31) – before Anderson struck again, skipper Cook taking a sharp chance at first slip to spark jubilant celebrations and words of congratulation from former all-rounder Botham.
"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,” he told Sky Sports.
"It's great to watch, it's great entertainment and it's an art - it really is. He's worked hard to be that good."
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Bob Willis, who sits third in England’s all-time list with 325 wickets from 90 Tests, said Anderson should now aim to improve his tally to 500 scalps.
“I can’t overestimate the scale of James Anderson’s achievement – it is truly fantastic,” he said. “It’s quite something for a fast bowler to play 100 Test matches, but an incredible feat for Jimmy to get past Ian Botham’s record.
“There’s nothing to stop Jimmy going on to take 500 Test wickets. I’m sure he’ll want to do that.”
For all England’s efforts, they could not force victory though as Holder shared a 105-run stand with Ramdin in 32.1 overs before posting his hundred off 146 in an innings containing 15 fours.
The Windies were wobbling at lunch after losing three wickets in the morning session – Devon Smith (65) holing out off Tredwell, before Joe Root trapped Chanderpaul lbw after Samuels fell to Anderson.
But Ramdin and Holder mounted a superb rearguard action in the afternoon session after Jermaine Blackwood (31) swiped across the line at Chris Jordan and got a thin edge behind.
Cook rotated his bowlers consistently in search of earning the four wickets necessary for victory in the final session but Ramdin and Holder each posted half-centuries as their hundred stand came up off 177 balls.
Anderson finally prised out Ramdin, thanks to a superb outswinger that found the edge of his bat and the seamer thought he had another when Kemar Roach was given out caught down the leg-side only for the decision to be overturned on review.
The final say belonged to Holder, who beat his chest as he reached three figures to close the door on England's victory hopes.
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