JAMES Anderson is clearly miffed at his fall down the pecking order in England’s one-day set-up – but his performance for Lancashire earlier this week did little to boost his chances.

Figures of 0-39 from four overs is hardly likely to make the selectors sit up and take notice, especially when they are sitting comfortably safe in the knowledge that they put together the team that won the ICC World Twenty20.

Geoff Boycott described Anderson as mercurial, but his strengths become his weaknesses in the one-day arena. He is rightly one of the first names on the team sheet when the Test matches come around – his ability to hoop the ball around in friendly conditions being second to none.

Where the Burnley Express falls down is when the pitch and conditions offer very little help. He can become predictable and expensive.

Opponents turn his extra yard of pace into their favour and, in a format of the game that stacks the advantage very much at the feet of the batsmen, he falls short.

Anderson is becoming a more complete bowler, but he lacks the canny variations of players like Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Broad and even Tim Bresnan.

The Lancashire ace is, however, part of the squad that will tackle Australia over five matches in what will prove to be the perfect test of the credentials.

Over the course of the series, the tourists will put the heroes of the World Twenty20 under the microscope and offer a genuine indication of whether players like Craig Kieswetter, Eoin Morgan and Bresnan can consistently perform at the highest level.

They will be put under some severe pressure but most of them should pass the examination with flying colours.

The matches may not count for much once the Ashes series kicks off this winter, but it is certainly a chance to lay down some markers.

Australians like nothing more than cutting the old enemy down to size and they will relish exposing technical flaws. It’s sink or swim time for England. Expect Andy Flower’s men to blossom.