Veteran England pacer James Anderson considers getting five-wicket hauls in the sub-continent a "bigger achievement" than back home.

On Saturday (January 23) Anderson dismissed Niroshan Dickwella for 92 to claim his 30th five-wicket haul in the longest format as England bowled Sri Lanka for 381 on Day 2 in the second Test at Galle.

The 38-year-old recorded the figures of 6/40 – which is now his best in Asia as he went past 5/75 at Galle in 2012.

"Yeah, I guess so. Certainly because conditions are very different you do feel it's a bigger achievement," Anderson told reporters after the end of second day’s play, as quoted by AFP.

"The weather has been rocket hot and to bowl the amount of overs, get the wickets and the rewards certainly feels very good."

Anderson bowled 29 overs with 13 maidens before Sri Lanka were bowled out in an extended second session.

"I think it was a really good effort to keep them under 400," said Anderson, who now has 606 Test wickets to his name from 157 matches.

The visitors finished the second Day 2 on 98/2, with skipper Joe Root (67*) and Jonny Bairstow (24*) unbeaten at the crease.

"We know now we've got to bat big, we've got to bat a long time to try and win this game but that's what you've got to do in the sub-continent."

Anderson, who replaced Stuart Broad in the playing XI for the second Test, said it is good have in-house competition among the pacers.

"It's great we've got as many bowlers as we have got in form," said Anderson. "There's guys on the sidelines who have worked tirelessly as well, we've got Chris Woakes fit and ready to go. All we can do is try to keep performing and hopefully we get the nod."

(With AFP inputs)