Published: Feb 12, 2016, 11:13 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 12, 2016, 11:13 AM (IST)
England fast bowler James Anderson received Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace for his due recognition for taking over Ian Botham‘s Test cricket history as leading wicket-taker. Anderson overtook Botham’s mark of 383 wickets in the West Indies last year, overtaking Richard Hadlee during England’s Test series win in South Africa and currently sits in seventh place on the all-time list on 433 wickets, as reported on ESPNcricinfo. “It’s amazing. I feel very fortunate to have made a career out of cricket,” Anderson told reporters at Buckingham Palace. “Obviously I’ve played for England for over 10 years and to be recognised for that is really special for me and a huge honor for myself and my family.” READ:James Anderson considers T20 leagues a threat to Test cricket
Recalling the moment when he overtook Botham at with picking wicket of Dinesh Ramdin during 1st Test against West Indies at Antigua in April 2014, Anderson said: “It was a real surreal moment for me. Obviously Sir Ian Botham is someone I’ve looked up to as a child growing up – and to pass him, it still hasn’t sunk in yet. Again, I’m just lucky I’ve managed to play the game long enough to be able to overtake him and contribute to English cricket as I have.” READ: 2015 Yearender: Top 10 Test bowlers of the year
England’s next Test series is against Sri Lanka in May and June during spring time. “We’ve got an exciting team at the moment,” he said. “Obviously some young guys have come in during the last 12 months, a bit of a transitional phase for us, and I think when that happens the results aren’t always going to be consistent but I think we’re moving in the right direction.” He added, “The new coach Trevor Bayliss has been brilliant in helping the younger guys settle into the team and perform at their best.”
