The Ashes 2013: Jimmy Anderson Shows Man of the Match Form in First Test Triumph

The man currently paving the way to England’s third consecutive Ashes series, Jimmy Anderson’s superb First Test display is nothing short of miraculous.

As England’s all-time highest international wicket-taker, how poetic is it that Anderson should come to the fore on Day 5 of the opening exchange to dish out the decisive blow on Australia?

It was the 30-year-old who bowled Brad Haddin for a catch behind just as things were looking their shakiest for both teams—Australia needing just 14 runs to win and England slowly letting them creep toward their needed total.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott commented on Anderson’s performance:

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Haddin was getting away with it before lunch but England sussed him out and slowed him down, a bit of gamesmanship. Without Anderson they would not have got home. Haddin played one of the best innings I have ever seen him play.

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And it’s that sense of being able to take the weight of one’s team in their most needed of hours that truly puts Anderson on a pedestal above all others right now. Not only in terms of playing ability, but also having the strength in mentality and morale to lift his team at the death.

Following the conclusion of the first stage in this summer’s event, the Twitter appreciation poured in for Anderson’s showing:

Before Sunday’s tea break, Australia’s Haddin and James Pattinson were irking England, edging out run over frustrating run despite the best attempts of Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad to see otherwise.

Step in, Anderson. Although ultimately the climax was spoiled slightly by the umpire’s decision going down to DRS, England will care little for just how their Test series lead comes about, just as long as they’re there at all.

Taking 10 wickets in total during this match, Anderson was perfectly humble following his victory and, speaking post-match per BBC Sport, added:

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The match had the nerves going but I love bowling here and I'm happy to pick up some wickets again. It generally swings here but whatever way we can get the ball moving, it is a bonus for us, we all bowled well.

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All England can hope now is that the same Jimmy Anderson stays for the rest of the tournament. The Anderson who, in collaboration with Ian Bell’s batting, has the potential to do a great deal of good work for England in winning this Ashes.

“Keep Calm and Return the Urn” was the slogan being promoted by Australia in the build-up to England’s defence of the series this summer. After losing the first test of the 2013 series, the southern hemisphere side’s chances are dented hugely, and it’s very much thanks to one Jimmy Anderson.