Sir Vivian Richards believes James Anderson will be remembered as an England great and a worthy heir to Sir Ian Botham. Anderson will earn 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 would take him past Botham's national record of 383 Test wickets, making Anderson the most prolific English bowler in history. England's James Anderson plays his 100th Test match in Antigua against the West Indies from Monday . Anderson needs just three wickets to go level with Sir Ian Botham as England's top Test wicket taker . Sir Vivian Richards believes Anderson is a worthy heir to Sir Ian Botham (pictured in August 2014) As one of the greatest batsmen to have lived and a long-time friend of Botham, Richards is well placed to judge the scale of Anderson's achievements and his endorsement is ringing. 'He ranks with the great English fast bowlers, with the Bob Willises, the Ian Bothams and folks like that,' said Richards. 'They made a great mark and for him to be in that category, it's a tribute to him. '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 I would have liked Anderson too.' Anderson has attempted to divert the attention ahead of his big day, focusing on the team's efforts to come back from a dreadful winter of white ball cricket. Four wickets in the game would take Anderson past Botham's national record of 383 Test wickets . Richards is well placed to judge the scale of Anderson's achievements and his endorsement is ringing . But with Richards' words echoed by Curtly Ambrose, one of the most fearsome fast bowlers to have graced the game, he would be forgiven for getting a touch carried away. Ambrose, speaking at the launch of his new autobiography 'Time to Talk', said: 'I've always liked James Anderson, he is a quality fast bowler. 'To have taken so many wickets in Test cricket is no mean feat because a fast bowler's life is a short one. To be four wickets away from Botham's 383 is a phenomenal achievement. 'I want to wish James all the best for his 100th Test but I hope he doesn't do too well, because I think the West Indies will win.'
James Anderson will earn his 100th Test cap on Monday . England take on the West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground . Four wickets would take Anderson past Sir Ian Botham's national record .