Anderson puts England in sight of victory

By John Mehaffey

LONDON (Reuters) - James Anderson, whose abundant natural talent has been sometimes undermined by a fragile temperament, gave England a glimpse on Friday of a first victory over Australia at Lord's since 1934.

Anderson on song bends the ball wickedly late both ways at a brisk pace. Denied swing, or when his rhythm deserts him, his head can droop and he becomes an expensive liability.

The former Anderson was on view at Lord's on Friday during a gripping second day which ended with Australia still requiring 70 runs to avoid the follow-on with two wickets in hand.

Anderson, in common with the rest of the England attack, bowled poorly in the first test in Cardiff. But he also combined with Monty Panesar in an improbable last wicket stand to deny Australia victory on the final day.

On Friday he came to the crease while England were forfeiting three wickets in the first three overs of the day, including captain Andrew Strauss bowled second ball without adding to his overnight tally of 161.

Anderson took five boundaries off Mitchell Johnson, whose three wickets cost 132 runs. When he was out for 29 his last wicket stand with Graham Onions had yielded 47 runs and taken England to 425.

He then took two quick wickets to reduce Australia to 10 for two and returned in the evening session to capture two more top-order batsman and finish with four for 36 from 17 quality overs.

One of his victims was Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who accumulated 150 in Cardiff. Ponting had scored two when Anderson slanted a delivery into his pads and appealed for lbw.