Birmingham (UK), July 3 England's bowlers are in perfect shape for the Ashes.

Pace bowler James Anderson took five wickets, while left-arm spinner Monty Panesar claimed three victims and Andrew Flintoff two.

The preparation for the First Test showdown against Australia on Wednesday could not have gone more smoothly, reports The Sun.

They bowled out the Bears for just 102.

The only cloud was Kevin Pietersen's second failure - he was out for six to follow his dismissal for one in the first innings.

Andrew Strauss and Ravi Bopara made half-centuries and England will resume this morning with an overall lead of 373.

Anderson, who is also known as the "Burnley Express", said: "I feel as though I have everything under control. Things could not be better as far as the team is concerned and now we just want to get started."

"The balance in the attack feels brilliant. And, from the England Lions game, it's clear there are other seamers knocking on the door," he added. (ANI)