Lancashire fast bowler Jimmy Anderson relished his role as the senior man to help drag England back into the first Test at Lord's yesterday.

He dismissed India's star duo Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar as India closed a weather-hit day on 145 for four - a deficit of 153 - after England lost their final six wickets for 25 runs in the afternoon session.

But, having endured a stop-start Test career to date, Anderson revelled in the absence of Matthew Hoggard, Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison.

''During the one-day matches against West Indies I felt I had a bit more responsibility and really enjoyed that, and it's the same again today,'' said Anderson.

''I see this is as a chance to show what form I'm in and what I can do.

''Obviously it's a pretty strong attack we've got and we'll have to see whether I can cement a place in that.''

Dravid nicked an outswinger while Tendulkar, who became the third-highest scorer in Test history during his 37, was undone by one which shaped back in for a leg-before decision.

''That was special,'' said Anderson. ''It was obviously a key wicket as well for us, he looked like he was in good touch so I was really pleased.''

Anderson has benefited from an increased workload on the county scene this summer, compared with previous years, and has taken to bowling consultant Allan Donald's input.

''He has a very different approach,'' said Anderson. ''He talks more about match situations and I think that's helping quite a lot.

''This year I have got a lot of overs under my belt for Lancashire so I think that's been a massive help and got me into some rhythm.''

When play eventually got under way after lunch - torrential rain had left a lake on the playing surface around midday - England quickly relinquished their hold on the contest.

At one point yesterday they were 218 for one, boosted by a shoddy display from India's attack in the first hour of the npower series.

Having resumed on 268 for four, they were even given a reprieve when Kevin Pietersen walked after edging Zaheer Khan behind.

Pietersen was at the pavilion steps when told to go back by team-mates as third umpire Ian Gould simultaneously checked replays of wicketkeeper Mahendra Dhoni's claim for a catch, on square-leg umpire Steve Bucknor's recommendation.

Pietersen's reinstatement lasted only two balls, however, as he fell to another nick to Dhoni.

''Our reaction was very simple,'' said Sreesanth. ''If he got him once we were very sure he would get him twice."