James Anderson strikes early as England continue to learn

10 April 2012

More than 10,000 miles separate Sydney and Cardiff, and the contrast between England's last Test appearance and their current match against Sri Lanka could not be sharper.

Blustery weather, sparse crowds and a four-and-a-half-hour delay for rain on the opening day all contributed to the sensation that the Ashes-clinching win at the Sydney Cricket Ground belonged to a different age, rather than a joyous morning less than six months ago.

England were workmanlike yesterday, seemingly affected by the huge delay for rain, but their start was much brighter today, and they were rewarded with a wicket in the third over of the morning.

Jimmy Anderson produced a superb inswinger that tempted Mahela Jayawardene to push forward and captain Andrew Strauss took the catch at first slip.

Jayawardene was out for four on his 34th birthday and Sri Lanka were 133 for three, having failed to add to their overnight score.

England did not bowl enough threatening deliveries yesterday, but one of the strengths of this team is their ability to learn quickly from mistakes and it was noticeable that their use of the Decision Review System was far more judicious than it was during the winter.

It almost cost them in the First Test in Brisbane, when a silly review to the third umpire to dismiss Shane Watson meant Strauss's men had no referrals remaining after umpire Aleem Dar gave Mike Hussey not out when he was leg before to Anderson.

It was a different story yesterday, though, as Anderson removed Kumar Sangakkara thanks to a successful challenge. HotSpot showed the former skipper had got the faintest of touches to an away-swinger and he was given out caught behind. As important as it is to know when to review, it is just as vital to understand when to resist the temptation to do so.

England have struggled to master the latter art, with Strauss sometimes too easily persuaded by vociferous team-mates like Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and the now-retired Paul Collingwood.

At the end of the 13th over, Anderson was convinced Tharanga Paranavitana had edged him to Swann at second slip and the fielder seemed similarly certain. England had even begun to celebrate the wicket - a habit they really should quit - before realising umpire Billy Doctrove had not raised his finger.

Despite the noise around him, Strauss stayed strong and did not question the umpire's decision, which was proved correct when replays showed the ball had clipped the pad. Anderson confirmed that the team had discussed the need to use the system more wisely this summer.

"It is still quite a new thing, but we have used it well so far in this game and we hope to continue," said the Lancashire paceman.

On a flat pitch, spin is likely to become increasingly influential and Swann signalled his intention to stamp his mark on the match by taking the first wicket.

Captain Tillakaratne Dilshan had reached his fifty when he attempted to cut a ball that turned more than he expected and he could only succeed in chopping it on to his stumps.

With Sri Lanka having chosen two spinners, Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis, the onus will be on their batsmen to post a substantial total.

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