Anderson adds weight to Ashes claims

The 26-year-old Lancashire seamer has been on the periphery of England's Ashes plans for the last three series, playing just three Tests in that time with successive captains failing to trust his ability for such a massive occasion.

But as England begin to finalise their preparations for next week's opening Test in Cardiff, Anderson continued to underline his importance with a five-wicket haul against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Anderson claimed five for 34 to dismiss the Bears for a lowly 102 and establish a 188-run first-innings lead after the hosts had resumed the second day on 31 for one.

That allowed England an opportunity for useful batting practice and they took that chance to reach 185 for two by the close to secure a 373-run lead, with all but Kevin Pietersen, who was dismissed for six, taking advantage to spend useful time out in the middle in their only outing before the Ashes.

Anderson's performance and eye-catching bowling displays from Andrew Flintoff and Monty Panesar ensured a satisfying day for England captain Andrew Strauss, who would also have noted how Australia took 44.3 overs to claim their first wicket against England Lions down the road at Worcester.

Lancashire seamer Anderson's display was particularly timely and continued his impressive form for England this summer following his nine-wicket haul in the second Test against West Indies at Durham.

That man-of-the-match display confirmed Anderson as a major threat for the bigger challenge ahead as he attempts to improve on a modest record against Australia of just five wickets at an average of 82.60.

Pietersen again failed to make an impression and guided seamer Boyd Rankin to second slip, but Ravi Bopara finished unbeaten on 88 while Paul Collingwood scored 21 to complete a satisfying day for England.