Jimmy stars as England cruise to win over Sri Lanka

Burnley's James Anderson moved up to sixth on the list of all-time Test wicket-takers as he dismantled Sri Lanka at Headingley.
Englands James AndersonEnglands James Anderson
Englands James Anderson

The 33-year-old was too hot for the tourists to handle as he recorded match figures of 10-45 to guide England to victory by an innings and 88 runs.

Anderson’s haul moved him past India’s Kapil Dev as he moved on to 438 wickets in total on turf that had proven to be fruitless in the past.

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After England had made 298 in their first innings, Anderson came to the fore as Sri Lanka were skittled for 98.

The former St Theodore’s RC High School pupil culminated the innings on 5-16 when taking full advantage of bowler-friendly conditions.

He then repeated the feat, claiming another five-wicket haul, finished off by the scalp of Nuwan Pradeep, as Sri Lanka were skittled for 119 in the follow up.

“Me and Stuart had a chat and said it has taken us nine years to realise we are bowling at the wrong ends here,” said Anderson, who bowled exclusively from the Rugby Stand End.

“We finally figured it out and got some rewards.”

England take on Sri Lanka in the second Investec Test at Chester-le-Street on Friday.