Anderson masterclass before rain stops play

A DAMP Emirates Old Trafford crowd was treated to a James Anderson master class as Lancashire got off to a strong start against Somerset on the first morning of their LV=Insurance County Championship Division One clash in Manchester.

- JAMIE BOWMAN

Anderson, playing his fourth consecutive four-day game for the Red Rose and his final game before the one-off Test against Ireland, gave notice of his readiness for England duty with a brilliant eight over opening spell during which he bowled five maidens, was hit for five runs and claimed the wickets of Steven Davis and Tom Abel.

Although Somerset had recovered from 12 for three to 109 for four by the time torrential rain hit the ground at 2.45pm, it was Anderson's spell that will have England supporters hoping for brighter days with the Ashes beginning in just over a month.

It had looked like a toss to win earlier in the morning as a combination of humidity and grey cloud cover meant Lancashire had no hesitation in sticking the visitors in.