James Anderson enjoys record-breaking spell for England ahead of India tour
James Anderson registered the best bowling figures of his career in Asia, as his 6-40 helped England bowl Sri Lanka out for 381 in their first innings of the second Test match.
The 38-year-old made history as he became the oldest player to ever take a five-wicket haul in Asia.
James Anderson took the wickets of the well-set Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella and Lahiru Thirimanne. He also dismissed Kusal Perera, Oshando Fernando and Suranga Lakmal to wrap up the Sri Lanka innings.
The innings also saw Anderson pip Glenn McGrath in the list of bowlers with most five wicket-hauls. James Anderson now has 30 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, and only Sir Richard Hadlee has more with 36.
The England pacer's excellent form is an encouraging sign for England ahead of the upcoming four-match Test series against India, which will be vital to their hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship. Anderson may well be nearing the end of his career, but he is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon.
"He's getting better with age" - Nasser Hussain heaps praise on James Anderson
Nasser Hussain was full of praise of James Anderson after the end of the day's play on Day two. The former England captain said that despite his critics, Anderson is still only getting better with each year.
"What more can you say? It is actually other people away from England that doubt James Anderson. You make any comment on him and people will still say, 'well he can't do it away from England'. He's actually showed over the last few years that he can do it anywhere round the world."
"He gets his wickets in Asia at 28 a piece. He's getting better with age and at the age of 38 he should be getting worse. But he's getting better. A lot of that has to do with his mindset."
James Anderson is set for a key role for England for the upcoming series against India, and the tour to Australia later this year.