Anderson hopes for starring role

James Anderson hopes to return to England's one-day side this week - and has an eye on the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Lancashire fast bowler Anderson, 24, is competing with Jon Lewis to take the new ball with Steve Harmison in the ICC Champions Trophy and ultimately aiming for selection against Australia next month.

"Fitness won't be a problem, it is probably getting overs under my belt that will be the biggest thing," said Anderson. "If I can do that I will be keeping my fingers crossed."

England begin their Champions Trophy campaign on Sunday with a match against hosts India in Jaipur, their base for the next fortnight.

It was on the sub-continent that Anderson revitalised his international career, taking advantage of a raft of injuries to lead the attack and claim six wickets in the third Test victory over the Indians in Mumbai earlier this year.

He was also England's stand-out bowler in the one-dayers that followed and celebrated 50 limited-overs caps in the tour finale. But it then emerged he had been playing for a couple of matches with a stress fracture of the back.

Anderson said: "Things seemed to come together for me here earlier in the year.

"For a one-off Test, having not played much cricket before it, I was really pleased.

"I felt really good throughout the one-day series and it was just unfortunate what happened.

"It has been the most frustrating time I have had as a cricketer, having to watch the guys on TV and not be able to do much."