<
>

I have a few more wickets in me yet, says record-breaking Jimmy Anderson

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

Jimmy Anderson says he has every intention of building on his lead as England's leading wicket-taker.

Anderson equalled then overtook Sir Ian Botham's previous record of 383 wickets during the first Test against the West Indies a fortnight ago, and has since stretched his lead to seven with six more in the second Test victory.

But with rumours rife that Anderson may be rested, the pace-bowler admitted he is keen to push on and reach his next milestone of 400 victims.

"To have an extra couple of days' rest before the third Test on Friday is very welcome," Anderson wrote in his column for The Sun. "But I still feel fit, strong and I have a few more wickets in me yet.

"It has been an incredible two weeks - almost certainly the most emotional and satisfying of my career. To beat Sir Ian Botham's record in my 100th Test was fairytale stuff.

"Having my wife and children in Antigua and my parents at both games has made it more special. Mum was planning to come just for the first hour or so on Saturday but ended up staying the whole day. I think they were quite proud."

With Stuart Broad, on 272, Anderson's closest challenger among active players, England captain Alastair Cook described his leading wicket-taker as "England's best ever bowler".

"Well he is my best mate so I hoped he'd say something kind!" Anderson joked. "Seriously, though, it's lovely to hear those words but it is very difficult to compare eras.

"Some might think I am the best - plenty of others will go for Beefy or Fred Trueman. To be mentioned in the same breath as these guys is flattering.

"Look at Beefy - he's a legend. Someone I've looked up to for years."

The third and final Test between England and the West Indies begins in Bridgetown on Friday.