Five-star Anderson has the toiling Aussies in his sights
SEAMER James Anderson signalled his intentions ahead of Wednesday’s first Ashes Test with Australia with a devastating five-wicket spell to put England in control of their warm-up match with Warwickshire.
The Lancashire pace man shared a blistering opening spell with Andrew Flintoff to claim 5-34 as the Bears were skittled out for a measly 102.
Flintoff rallied to impressive figures of 2-16 off nine overs, while spinner Monty Panesar ripped through the tail to claim 3-10 off 7.4.
That allowed the England top order an opportunity for some useful batting practice ahead of the Cardiff Test and opening duo Andrew Strauss and Ravi Bopara took full advantage.
The pair put on 109 for the first wicket before skipper Strauss fell for 61, while Bopara lasted the distance, closing the day on an unbeaten 88 as England opened up a 373-run advantage. Indeed, the only batsman not to enjoy a useful knock was Kevin Pietersen, who could only add six runs to his first innings one.
While England were cruising, the Aussies were finding life tough against the second string Lions side with openers Stephen Moore (120) and Joe Denly (66) putting on a massive 172 stand for the first wicket.
Paceman Brett Lee struck back with wicket of Denly and then added captain Ian Bell with the very next ball, thus ending any faint hopes of the Warwickshire man making a late claim for a starting England place.
Indeed, Lee proved Australia’s only shining light in an otherwise disappointing day – his figures of 5-52 helping reduce the Lions to 302-6, while the rest of the bowling attack toiled.