Anderson wants to get going.

JAMES Anderson cannot wait for the Ashes to start after claiming a timely fivewicket haul in England's practice match against Warwickshire.

The 26-year-old Lancashire seamer claimed five for 34 as Warwickshire were dismissed for 102 on the second day of their three-day warm-up game at Edgbaston England will resume today 373 runs ahead on 185 for two.

Anderson's display will have delighted captain Andrew Strauss as he draws up his plans for Wednesday's opening Test at Cardiff as the excitement among the players grows in the build-up to the start of the series.

"I think we just want to get started really," admitted Anderson.

"The hype has been going on for so long now and we just want to get star-ted.Playing in the opening Test will be a particularly special moment for Anderson.

The fast bowler has been on the periphery of the last three series but has played just three Tests against Australia.

Having followed up his nine-wicket haul against West Indies in the second Test at Chester-le-Street earlier this summer with today's display, though, there is a sense Anderson's time has come.

"I hope it is my time," he said. "I'm concentrating on my job which is to swing the ball and take early wickets to make as many inroads as possible in their top six or seven - I'm not thinking about how many Ashes I have played."

Anderson shared top billing with Andrew Flintoff, who claimed two for 16, while Monty Panesar grabbed three wickets to ensure they will all start the Ashes with confidence lifted. Flintoff's presence, particularly after his man-ofthe-series performances from 2005, will be particularly welcomed even if he does take the senior role from Anderson when he is in the side.

"If you have someone like Fred in your team it is hard not to give him the ball when you need something to happen," added Anderson.

"He's stepped up in the past and I've done it in last couple of series and I think it would be nice for Straussy if we are both on top of our games to choose between us.

"As everybody saw in today's match, he brings something different.

"We were guessing in the field that he must have been pushing 90mph so it's fantastic to get him back and bowling aggressively."