Return to action pleases Anderson

Fast bowler James Anderson hopes to use early season matches for Lancashire to re-launch his England career.

Anderson only had a peripheral role on the winter tour to South Africa and his confidence appeared to suffer.

He returned to action for Lancashire against Somerset and was encouraged by an opening spell of 1-11 from 11 overs.

"I was pleased with the way things went early on, although I felt a bit stiff when I came back for a second spell," said Anderson.

"It's just good to be back out there playing again. It's my job and I haven't experienced much of it in the last few months.

"This winter was very frustrating for me, but the tour to the West Indies was the same last year - you just have to keep practising and when your chance comes make sure you take it."

He added: "Bowling in the nets is totally different to playing in the middle and I really enjoyed the banter with the batsmen, having a laugh with our team and the intensity of it all."

The 22-year-old burst onto the international scene during the one-day leg of England's 2002-03 tour to Australia.

He marked his Test debut with figures of 5-73 against Zimbabwe the following summer and has so far taken 35 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of 36.4

Anderson remains part of England's plans for the future and bowling coach Troy Cooley was happy with his start to the summer.

"He's gone away and worked hard. One of the things we looked at was that he needed match practice and he's still developing," Cooley commented.