Stepping out at Antigua for his 100th Test, James Anderson has the chance to rewrite the record books when it comes to England’s leading wicket takers.

Having taken 380 wickets in 99 tests, the 32-year-old needs just four more wickets to overtake Ian Botham as the all-time leading wicket taker for his country.

But the Burnley-born swing bowler remains primarily focused on getting back to winning ways, starting with the West Indies series.

"I can't quite believe I've got this far,” he said.

"As a bowler I'd be absolutely delighted if I get four wickets in the Test, but I'm not thinking about that.

"One hundred per cent you've got to ignore it. It'll be a special occasion for me on the morning of the game but from a team point of view we've had an awful winter.

"We need to get back to winning ways, so we need to start this series well and that's all the build-up has been about.”

His test debut came in 2003, but only in the last seven years has Anderson secured the tag of being England’s attack leader.

And the long journey to his 100th outing has not been without its share of injuries and loss of form.

"It's been hard. It's not been ridiculously easy, that's for sure. I got off to a good start in my career but then had dodgy form and injuries,” he said.

"I had a few years where I was out of the side and didn't know if I'd ever play again. There have obviously been low periods.

"But having experienced Test cricket and seen how amazing it is to play for England, that determination to play again has driven me on

"I've never forgotten the sitting on the sidelines for 18 months or two years not being able to be out there doing what I love.

"At 32 people keep asking me when I'm going to retire but I'm delighted to have got here and I still feel I've got plenty more to give."

Born a year prior to the 1981 Ashes series, Anderson wasn't around to enjoy Botham's most famous performances in an England shirt live. However, the video of the series was always at hand in the Anderson household.

"I was born in 1982 but my Dad had the '81 Ashes video and growing up I had that on all the time,” Anderson said.

"He's a legend of the game and a legend of English cricket. For me to have the opportunity to go past him is a dream come true.”

 

Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to watch England seek redemption against the Kiwis and secure your seat now.