James Anderson: The Warrior Who Emerged Stronger After Jadeja Row

After being in the news for all the wrong reasons lately, James Anderson would have been relieved to make the headlines for doing what he does best - taking wickets. The 32-year-old finished with figures of 2 for 18 from 9 overs as India were bundled out for 161 on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. The tourists lost by an innings and 54 runs to now trail 1-2; at best MS Dhoni's men can only level a series they were favourites to win. (England Name Unchanged Squad)

Anderson maintained a tight line and length which made it difficult for the Indian batsmen to put him away. While Moeen Ali took the accolades with four wickets, it was Anderson's crucial breakthroughs that broke the back of the Indian batting. (Kohli Hits Worst Patch in Tests)

The wickets of Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli came at crucial stages as India looked to bat out the final session of play on the third day. Gambhir had battled the new ball to score 18 runs and was looking set for a big score when Anderson struck. His ball found the edge and went safely to Jos Buttler's gloves and the young wicketkeeper made no mistakes. Gambhir clearly failed to read the delivery.

Next was Virat Kohli's turn. Kohli was due for a big score failed again, when Anderson yet again found the edge of the number four's bat. Ian Bell took a comfortable catch and India's main batsman was back in the hut. (Didn't Think we Would Win in 3 Days: Cook)

England's premier fast bowler was asking the Indian batsmen some tough questions and they failed to come up with the answers. In the absence of India's destroyer-in-chief in the first innings, Stuart Broad, Anderson took charge and kept a tight leash on the tourists. He had done the same with three wickets in the first innings when he had knocked off Murali Vijay, Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.

With England 2-1 up in the series and one more match to go, Anderson's form will be key as they look to demolish the Indians. The paceman has his tail up and has been able to put the controversy with Ravindra Jadeja behind him to do his job on the field of play. If this is a sign of things to come, then things look bleak for India's batsmen. (MS Dhoni Clueless After Manchester Rout)

In fact, the whole controversy, which threatened to drive a wedge between two of the most powerful cricketing nations, seemed to have spurred Anderson on; before his row with Jadeja erupted, Anderson had 4/170. After Dhoni and the BCCI decided to 'teach' Anderson a lesson, the speed merchant answered with 17/278. (England Thrash India by an Innings)

Come August 15 at The Oval, Anderson will be raring to go against the Indians. It remains to be seen if India can handle the pace and bounce from the tall speed ace. With 21 wickets in the series, Anderson has firmly stamped his class on the opponents and it is a clear message that he is the man to watch out for. England cannot lose the series. If India are to draw level and avoid defeat, they will need to contain England's most lethal weapon in the bowling department in the fifth and final Test.