James Anderson ranks alongside Ian Botham: Vivian Richards

James Anderson

St. John's (Antigua), April 13 (IANS)

West Indian batting great Sir Vivian Richards said that pacer James Anderson will be remembered as an England great and a worthy heir to legendary all-rounder Ian Botham.

Anderson earns his 100th Test cap on Monday when England take on the West Indies at the Antiguan ground that bears Richards' name. Four wickets in the game could take Anderson past Botham's national record of 383 Test wickets, making Anderson the most prolific English bowler in history, reports dailymail.co.uk.

“He ranks with the great English fast bowlers with the Bob Willises, the Ian Bothams and folks like that. They made a great mark and for him to be in that category, it's a tribute to him. He will surely be remembered as a great,” the 63-year-old Richards said.

“He's done magnificently well. Anderson has got tremendous ability and I guess where he's at now – four wickets away from surpassing the great Sir Ian – is a tribute to the individual and to his professionalism as leader of the bowling attack. I captained a lot of great bowlers and would have liked Anderson too.”