James Anderson broke Darren Gough’s one-day record for most wickets, but the greater victory for the England spearhead at Edgbaston was the month of sleepless nights he’s ensured for Australia’s awe-struck top order.

Anderson was already feared by the Australians, but his superb bowling in England’s 48-run Champions Trophy victory was a scary indication of exactly what his opponents are in for when the Ashes start in a month.

In difficult bowling conditions in Birmingham, Anderson swung the ball both ways in a masterful display of 3-30 from 10 overs.

Shane Watson and George Bailey were openly blown away by Anderson’s performance.

“Watto felt like it went from swinging conventionally to swinging reverse within an over or two … I thought it was moving sideways a little bit when he bowled through the middle. He’s so skilful,” said Bailey.

“The fact he started reversing it, no issues with that. We were expecting that. But then for him to not give you anything on the pads and not give you a cut and to be so accurate was a testament to what a bowler he is and how important he is to England’s team.”

Anderson wasn’t a lone ranger either, with Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan also letting Australia know they mean business.

England man-of-the-match Ian Bell said Anderson and Broad won the match, after they suffocated Australia out of their pursuit of the 270-run victory target.

Bell praised Anderson for surpassing Gough’s England record of 234 ODI wickets.

“It was great for us to be able to celebrate him being the leading wicket-taker. It was a massive day for him,” he said.

“It was outstanding. Jimmy and Broady set the tone for the innings.”