Anderson raring to go

Getty Images ©

James Anderson is relishing his chance to finally make his mark on the Ashes after waiting nearly eight years to be given the opportunity to play a leading role against Australia.

The 26-year-old Lancashire seamer first got a taste of the Ashes when he was called into England's squad during the 2002-3 tour for the one-day series and then stayed with the squad without featuring.

He was also called up for the final Test of the 2005 series only for England to prefer Paul Collingwood, and it was not until the dismal 2006-7 tour that Anderson played three unsuccessful Tests against Australia.

But since then he has developed into a key player in England's Ashes strategy and now cannot wait to take the field during next week's opening Test in Cardiff.

"I think we just want to get started really," admitted Anderson, whose five Australian wickets have cost 82.60. "The hype has been going on for so long now and we just want to get started."

"I hope it is my time. I'm concentrating on my job which is to swing the ball and take early wickets to make as many inroads as possible in their top six or seven - I'm not thinking about how many Ashes I have played."

Anderson warmed up for next week's challenge by claiming 5-34 on Thursday to help dismiss Warwickshire for a lowly 102 in England's only practice match before the start of the series.

Andrew Flintoff's 2-16 during that bowling performance will also have encouraged England's selectors while Monty Panesar emerged from a difficult start to the 2009 summer to grab 3-10.

Flintoff's return to the side following his recent knee operation will inevitably lead to a reduction in status for Anderson, who has led the attack in his absence, but he is happy to share the billing with his Lancashire team-mate.

"If you have someone like Fred in your team it is hard not to give him the ball when you need something to happen," added Anderson.

"He's stepped up in the past and I've done it in last couple of series, and I think it would be nice for Straussy (captain Andrew Strauss) if we are both on top of our games to choose between us."

"As everybody saw in this match, he brings something different. We were guessing in the field that he must have been pushing 90mph so it's fantastic to get him back and bowling aggressively."

England will resume the final day at Edgbaston later today 373 runs ahead on 2-185 in the second innings with Ravi Bopara hoping to follow Anderson's example by claiming a timely century after finishing unbeaten on 88 overnight.