England vs Sri Lanka: Jimmy Anderson jumps to No 1 in the world

Swing bowler top of the tree after fine summer so far

England bowler James Anderson celebrates taking a wicket in the second Test against Sri Lanka (Getty)

Sri Lanka's batsmen might have known this already, such are the troubles they have had dealing with his swing and seam so far this summer, but James Anderson is officially the world's best bowler.

The England seamer on Tuesday jumped above his fellow attack leader Stuart Broad to the top of the ICC's Test bowling rankings, for the first time in his career. There is always fault to be found, quibbles to be had, with the bowling rankings - but Anderson can be near-unplayable in English conditions and the promotion is reward for his summer so far in which the 33-year-old has taken 18 wickets in two Tests.

England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker was man of the match for his efforts at Chester-le-Street over the last few days where England took the series against Sri Lanka and he took his personal tally beyond 450. It has seen him jump two places over Broad and the Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin. Anderson, who seems to be getting with age especially away from home, is the fourth England bowler to be ranked No 1 since Ian Botham led the way in 1980.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's miserable tour took a turn for the worse on Tuesday when paceman Shaminda Eranga was reported for a suspect bowling action. The 29-year-old was reported by match officials after Sri Lanka's nine-wicket defeat to England in the second Test. Eranga must have his action tested within 14 days but can continue to bowl until the result of that test is known. Mind you, with figures of 1 for 68 and 0 for 100 at Headingley and the Riverside, his deliveries may not be missed too badly by the tourists.