England's record Test-wicket taker James Anderson frustrated by West Indies draw
Saturday 18 April 2015 11:20, UK
James Anderson admitted his frustration at only drawing with the West Indies in the first Test in Antigua despite surpassing Sir Ian Botham as England's top Test-wicket taker.
Anderson marked his 100th cap in grand fashion, removing Marlon Samuels to level Botham's mark of 383 and then becoming a record-breaker in his own right when Denesh Ramdin edged to slip during a tense evening session.
The Lancashire fast bowler celebrated English cricket's new magic number of 384 in ecstatic style and in the process pushed the door ajar for the tourists to claim the three wickets required to win the opening Test in the series.
However, the hosts closed on 350-7, 88 runs short of victory, with the impressive Jason Holder scoring a vital 103 not out, and number nine Kemar Roach hanging in as the overs evaporated.
Anderson told Sky Sports: "We got ourselves into a great position. I thought we got in a bit of trouble with the bat in the first innings having lost the toss.
"(We) got ourselves back in the game, great hundred from Belly. Great hundred from Gaz (Ballance) in the second innings. Got ourselves in a good position but couldn't quite find anything whatsoever in that pitch to get the 10 wickets.
"We tried our hearts out, gave it everything today. All the guys bowled well but we couldn't quite get it done."
He admitted the wicket of Ramdin proved bitter-sweet with the Windies frustrating England in the 18.4 overs remaining in the match.
Anderson added: "My immediate reaction was that we were back in the game. We opened up an end and were hoping to get the win. Obviously then the Windies held out.
"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 revealed. "There's a lot of hard work to come. I am confident I am able to carry on for a few more years."
England captain Alastair Cook agreed he could not have asked for any more from his players.
"We knew it was going to be hard work and it proved to be so," he said.
"Getting three wickets in the first session was a great effort, you are always in with a chance for the rest of the day when you do that.
"Credit to Jason for the way he played. We couldn't have done any more. The only chance we put down was off a boot, diving by Tredders (James Tredwell), one-handed. We tried everything, I can't fault the lads' effort."
