James Anderson is adamant that England have to get off to a fast start in the Ashes if they are to beat Australia this summer.

The Three Lions have won just one of their last five Test match series, and they have to beat the Baggy Greens to reclaim the Ashes urn following their 5-0 hammering in the 2013-14 series.

Anderson believes that his side have to take the initiative at Sophia Gardens in the first Test to grab the early momentum in the series.

"It's crucial, especially in a five-match series, you need to hit the ground running," Anderson told Sky Sports News.

"We are keen to do that in Cardiff. We've played there before in Ashes series and got off to good starts, whether it's scraping a draw or getting a win, so we are hopeful that we will start the series well there.

"With a young side I think being underdogs is a good thing for us. We can go out there and play with freedom. The young guys can just express themselves as they did in the New Zealand series and hopefully that will stand us in good stead."

The first Test begins on July 8.