James Anderson and his wife Danielle at Buckingham Palace © PA Photos
James Anderson has received an OBE from the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, in recognition of his achievement in taking over from Ian Botham as the leading wicket-taker in England’s Test history.
Anderson, who overhauled Botham’s mark of 383 wickets in the Caribbean last year, overtook 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.
“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 honour for myself and my family.”
Recalling the moment he overhauled Botham, with the wicket of Denesh Ramdin during the first Test against West Indies in Antigua last April, 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.”
Anderson’s next England assignment comes in the spring Test series against Sri Lanka in May and June. “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.
“The new coach Trevor Bayliss has been brilliant in helping the younger guys settle into the team and perform at their best.”
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo