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James Anderson can take 500 Test wickets, says Sir Ian Botham

James Anderson of England celebrates after dismissing New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson to claim his 401st test match wicket
Image: James Anderson became the first Englishman to claim 400 Test wickets

Sir Ian Botham has backed 'artist' James Anderson to take 500 Test wickets after the paceman became the Englishman to pass 400 on day one of the second Test against New Zealand at Headingley.

Anderson, who passed Botham to become England’s leading Test wicket-taker last month, took just eight balls to get the one wicket he needed to reach the landmark, picking up Martin Guptill caught by Ian Bell at second slip.

Anderson quickly moved to 401 just three balls later claiming the scalp of Kane Williamson caught behind and Botham believes the 32-year-old can go on to get another 99 Test wickets.

"I enjoy watching him bowl and you can’t give anyone more praise than that,” Botham told Sky Sports.

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Watch as James Anderson becomes the first Englishman to take 400 Test wickets by dismissing Martin Guptill.

“I would cross the road to watch him bowl on my day off. He is magnificent - a true artist and a terrific athlete – and 500 wickets is definitely within his sights."

Anderson, who became only the eighth pace bowler in the history of the game to pass 400 Test wickets, failed to add to his two early wickets as New Zealand ended a shortened day one of the second Test on 297-8.

He is magnificent - a true artist and a terrific athlete – and 500 wickets is definitely within his sights.
Sir Ian Botham

But former New Zealand wicket-keeper Ian Smith believes Anderson has all the ingredients in his bowling to go on and get 500 wickets.

More from England V New Zealand, 2nd Test, 2015

"Anderson has modified a lot of things about his bowling action to the point he doesn’t run very far anymore,” he told Sky Sports.

“He’s got that same beautiful rhythm. We saw his seam position was absolutely perfect. He’s pretty close to being on top of his game.

James Anderson of England is congratulated on 400th Test wicket - Martin Guptill of New Zealand - during day one of the second Test at Headingley
Image: Anderson is congratulated by his team-mates afterclaiming his 400th Test wicket

“He may have lost a yard of pace but he’s got this magnificent accuracy.

He’s got the in-swinger going,” he added. “He’s got the stock out-swinger and he’s got the scrambled seam. We’ve seen all of those today.

“Can he get 500 wickets? It’s up to him."

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