Bowler James Anderson spoke of his pride after becoming England’s leading wicket taker in Test cricket. The Lancashire paceman usurped Sir Ian Botham after he had Denesh Ramdin caught by captain Alastair Cook for his 384th Test wicket.

– Botham delighted as Anderson claims record England wicket
– IPL Player of the Day: Dwayne Smith (Chennai Super Kings)
– Twitter reacts to Super Kings win over Mumbai Indians in IPL

The West Indies eventually held on, thanks to a Jason Holder century to earn a draw in Antigua, but when Anderson snared the Windies captain, the hosts were 294 for seven.

It was a proud moment for Anderson but, surprisingly, breaking the record was not at the forefront of his mind.

He said: “My immediate emotion was we were back in the game we opened up an end. I am hugely proud. It is great to have my family here and taking over from an English legend is a proud moment.

“It (the record) has not been a target. I love taking wickets, I love playing for England, it is a dream come true to play for England let alone for 100 Tests.”

And the future? “To keep my place in the side,” he added. “There’s a lot of hard work to come. I am confident I am able to carry on for a few more years.”

Anderson made his debut against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003 and the seamer did not think he would be so successful when he first started out.

“I was 20 years old, enjoying the ride,” he said. “I didn’t think I would get where I am now. It’s been an incredible journey. I am delighted to be here.

“Everyone I played with throughout the years, guys like Glen Chapple. The great seamers (Darren) Gough, (Andy) Caddick, (Matthew) Hoggard, (Steve) Harmison all had influence at some stage. The coaches, (Peter) Moores, (Andy) Flower, the captains as well.”

Meanwhile, Bob Willis, third on England’s all-time list of wickettakers with 325 scalps, sees no reason why Anderson cannot aim even higher if he stays fit and healthy.

He said: “There’s nothing to stop Jimmy going on to take 500 Test wickets. I’m sure he’ll want to do that; England play a lot of Tests and if he can keep mind and body together, he’s capable of achieving something even more special.

“I can’t overestimate the scale of Anderson’s achievement – it is truly fantastic. It’s quite something for a fast bowler to play 100 Test matches, but an incredible feat for Jimmy to get past Botham’s record.”