'James Anderson can surpass Ian Botham's record'

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has predicted pacer James Anderson will surpass Sir Ian Botham's record to become the country's leading Test wicket-taker.

"Botham's record of 383 is in the balance.

"James has to stay fit but he will play for a few more years yet and I do think he will end up as England's leading wicket-taker of all time," The BBC quoted Vaughan, as saying.

His statement came after Anderson, 29, reached the 250 mark with 3-56 as Sri Lanka put up a score of 289-8 on day one of the Galle Test. He finished with figures of five for 72 in the innings as the home team was bowled out for 318.

Anderson joins fellow Lancastrian Brian Statham in fifth place the England's wicket taking list, but he said that he would wait until the end of his career to reflect on any personal achievements.

"I'm delighted to get to 250, but my job is to take wickets and help us win this Test.

"Once my career has finished I can look back with fond memories, but for now I'm focusing on what's gone on out here," he said.

Anderson admitted to a degree of frustration as England saw Sri Lanka rally from 15-3, with the help of Mahela Jayawardene's hundred and four dropped catches.

"It's in the balance. If you'd given us that score we'd have taken it but chances went down which is frustrating," Anderson added.