Anderson overtakes Botham's record

James Anderson overtook Ian Botham to become the leading wicket-taker in Tests for England on the final day in Antigua.

Anderson went into this, his 100th Test, with 380 victims. The wicket of Marlon Samuels drew him level with Botham's previous mark of 383, which has stood since 1986, before he dismissed Denesh Ramdin, edging to Alastair Cook at slip, in the final session as England pressed for victory to set a new benchmark.

"My immediate emotion was we were back in the game, hoping to get the win," he told Sky Sports shortly after the match ended in a draw. "I'm hugely proud, great to have my family here, to take the record from an English legend is a huge moment.

"I love taking wickets, I love playing for England and that's all I'm bothered about. You pick up milestones along the way but it's a dream come true to play for England. Hopefully I can carry on for a few more years."

The wicket also moved Anderson up to 14th on the list of all-time leading wicket-takers in Test cricket. Still aged just 32, there seems every possibility that Anderson will go far beyond 400 Test wickets. Only five men have reached 500 but, with England playing 17 Tests in the next nine months, Anderson will have plenty of opportunity to extend his record.

His family were in attendance at the ground as was Botham in his role as a TV commentator and he met Anderson on the outfield when the match ended in a draw.

Congratulations soon appeared on Twitter, including from close friend Graeme Swann who posted: "Brilliant work by @jimmy9 to surpass Sir Ian Botham as our leading Test bowler. So proud of my mate. Really happy Cooky got the catch too."

Anderson, who took a five-wicket haul on his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Lord's in May 2003, has developed a reputation as one of the best swing bowlers in world cricket and has enjoyed success in India, South Africa and Australia. His career has encompassed Ashes wins at home and abroad, a Test series win in India and a brief period at No. 1 in the rankings.

But it has also involved two Ashes whitewashes and a painful period out of the side after sustaining a stress fracture of the back. He is the only specialist bowler ever to play 100 Tests for England and only the seventh in total.

He was rated "probably the most skilful bowler I've played with or against" by Cook, on the eve of the game, while Viv Richards said he ranked among "the great English fast bowlers" such as Botham and Bob Willis.

Only four England bowlers - Anderson, Botham, Willis and Fred Trueman - have taken 300 Test wickets, though Stuart Broad, who was also playing in this Test currently has 267 and could well join them.