James Anderson has moved to the highest world ranking of his career following his man-of-the-match display to help England secure victory in the final npower Test against New Zealand.

The 25-year-old Lancashire seamer claimed match figures of 9-98 after claiming a career-best seven for 43 in the first innings to help clinch an innings-and-nine-run triumph at Trent Bridge, which sealed a 2-0 series victory.

It took the Burnley bowler's tally for the series to 19 wickets and has moved him up nine places to 26th in the world Test bowling rankings, the highest rating of his career.

Anderson, 25, has certainly repaid the faith shown in him on the tour of New Zealand three months ago, when he dislodged Matthew Hoggard from the side.

"He is very exciting, Jimmy, and great to have in the team because even when he is inconsistent he gets wickets," said England captain Michael Vaughan yesterday.

"As a captain, you always want guys who can get wickets and he seems to have that knack of getting wickets out of nothing.

"Saturday night, (Brendon) McCullum and (Daniel) Flynn were batting very well and out of nowhere he gets McCullum out.

"That was a period of the game where I felt they could go on and get a decent-sized lead because of the batsmen they had to come.

"Jimmy has that knack for wickets, his record suggests he is inconsistent but when he is swinging it there are not many better around than him."

Anderson is now hoping to overcome that inconsistency that has marred his game.

He said: "I have been inconsistent in the past but it's something I am looking to improve and go in the right direction.

"I am hoping for a lengthy England career."