James Anderson takes 300th Test wicket

Bowler joins Fred Trueman, Bob Willis and Ian Botham by reaching his triple-century of Test victims

James Anderson of England celebrates dismissing Peter Fulton of New Zealand to take his 300th test match wicket (GETTY IMAGES)

James Anderson today became only the fourth Englishman to reach 300 Test wickets when he had Peter Fulton caught at second slip at Lord's.

Anderson follows in the footmarks of Fred Trueman, Bob Willis and Ian Botham by reaching his triple-century of Test victims.

The Lancastrian began, against New Zealand on the second afternoon of the first Investec Test, needing just two more wickets for the milestone - after England had collapsed today to 232 all out, losing their last six for 40.

Anderson's first success came with the final ball of his opening over, finding a little extra bounce on a slow pitch to have dangerous Kiwi opener Hamish Rutherford neatly caught at first slip by Alastair Cook.

England's lynchpin fast bowler struck again, for the 300th time, when he had Fulton edging to second slip - where Anderson's great friend Graeme Swann was appropriately safe with a low catch.

Anderson had figures of two for five in a New Zealand total of seven for two, with 40 minutes to go to the tea break.

Botham, part of Sky Sports' commentary team, said: "I am just enoying the moment. It's great for Jimmy. It's something he'll remember for the rest of his life.

"It's just another little hurdle that he has gone past but there is loads more to come.

"He's exceptional and he can go on if he keeps himself fit."

PA