On the 21st August 1986 Sir Ian Botham became the highest wicket taker in test history when he trapped New Zealand batter Jeff Crowe LBW for 8 on the first day of the 3rd test between England and New Zealand at the Oval.
The record was held by Australian Dennis Lillee who took 355 test wickets.
Botham went on to take 383 test wickets in 102 test matches and held the record until passed by New Zealand paceman Sir Richard Hadlee.
In the first innings of the third test Botham took the wicket of Bruce Edgar to equal Lillee’s record of 355, Jeff Crowe to pass the record and then dismissed Jeremy Coney to finish the innings with 3 wickets. It was Botham first test back after being suspended by the England test and County Cricket Board.