England’s tussle with India at Lord’s in 2011 was the 2000th Test Match and the 100th between the sides, but James Anderson put his own personal slant on proceedings by sealing a third place on the Honours Board at the Home of Cricket.
His 5 for 65 in India’s second innings ensured victory for England in the first Test of the series in front of a full house on the final day.
Kevin Pietersen’s double hundred saw England declare on 474 for 8 and despite Rahul Dravid’s unbeaten century, India were bowled out for 286 in their first innings, with Stuart Broad taking four wickets.
England collapsed to 62 for 5 in their second innings but Matt Prior’s century and 74 from Broad saw them set India a target of 458 to win in what became 125 overs, including a full fifth day.
Anderson had been quiet in the first innings but was back to his best as England bowled India out for 261, snaring the key wickets of Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina. The hosts won by 196 runs with nearly 30 overs to spare.