James Anderson gave England a wonderful start with two quick wickets in the rain-ravaged second Specsavers Test at Lord’s.

After a first-day washout, England put India in under increasing cloud cover – and thanks to Anderson reduced them to 11 for two in the 6.3 overs possible before another lengthy stoppage.

England’s all-time leading wicket-taker needs only another four to become the first in history to 100 at Lord’s, after eliminating both India openers in the truncated morning session on day two.

With the fifth delivery of the match, Anderson made short work of a scoreless Murali Vijay – who pushed towards mid-on only to lose his off-bail to a perfect outswinger.

Then in his fourth over, he was at it again – KL Rahul his second victim, edging behind on the forward-defence to one that held its impeccable line up the slope.

Two balls later, the rain was back to force the players off and eventually bring an early lunch.

As the weather improved again, a 1.40pm resumption was announced – with tea planned at 4.10pm.