Ian Botham proud of James Anderson becoming England's highest wicket-taker in Tests
James Anderson (left) broke Ian Botham’s (right) record with his 384th dismissal in his 100th match © Getty Images

London: Former England all-rounder Sir Ian Botham has claimed that he couldn’t be happier after fast bowler James Anderson broke the former Test skipper’s record by becoming the nation’s highest wicket-taker in the long format of the game with his 384th dismissal in his 100th match. Read: James Anderson proud to surpass Ian Botham to become England’s leading wicket-taker in Tests

All-rounder Botham took 383 wickets in 102 Tests between 1977 and 1992, as well as scored 5,200 runs at an average of 33.54. Anderson bettered Botham’s tally in two matches less as England pressed for victory against the West Indies at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in the first Test of the three-match series.

However, Jason Holder‘s unbeaten 103 helped West Indies carve out a draw in the first Test, the BBC reported.

Botham, who now is a commentator, said that he couldn’t be happier, adding that he is delighted for Anderson. He said that he has watched that fast bowler develop those skills, claiming that it’s not easy to bowl the in-swinger and away-swinger with very little detail change but it’s great to watch those skills.

Botham said that he enjoys watching Anderson bowl, insisting that it’s a pleasure to commentate on. He said that it’s been a burden for both of them, adding that he has got something for Anderson in the UK — it’s the largest bottle of wine that he has been able to find, claiming that it’s about as big as the bowler. Botham also said that Anderson could take 450 wickets easily before retiring.