Anderson ready to shoulder Ashes burden

James Anderson insisted he was prepared for more hard work in pursuit of Ashes glory after leading England to a nailbiting 14-run win over Australia in the first Test at Trent Bridge.

Anderson bowled 13 unchanged overs in Sunday’s morning session, taking three for 29 on his way to innings figures of five for 73 and a match return of 10 for 158 as Ashes-holders England went 1-0 up in this five-match series.

At 231 for nine, Australia were 80 runs shy of their victory target of 311. But a last-wicket stand of 65 between Brad Haddin (71) and James Pattinson (25 not out) took them to the brink of a sensational win. It was no surprise when England captain Alastair Cook turned to Anderson after lunch. Anderson’s match figures were his best in Test cricket since he took 11 for 71 against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2010.

‘I had the nerves going a little bit but I love bowling here, it’s been good to me over the years and I’m happy that I could pick up some more wickets,’ said Anderson, who has now taken 49 wickets in seven Trent Bridge Tests. Anderson, long the linchpin of England’s attack, admitted that maintaining a workload similar to Sunday’s stint across an entire series would be tough. ‘If I’m bowling 13-over spells it’s going to be difficult!

‘But it’s Ashes cricket...That’s why we do the hard work in the gym -- to get out there and bowl long spells. As soon as I got the ball I felt in control.’