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Regulars at the Turf Moor cricket ground always thought he had the potential to go further but I'm not so sure the most optimistic of local cricket fans can actually believe the incredible progress.
Last June he turned in a match winning performance for Lancashire against Hampshire and ended the season with 50 first class wickets before going to the academy in Australia.
He was soon called up for the England team and played in the one day VB Series over in Oz and followed that up by winning two Man of the Match awards in the World Cup in South Africa.
After a good start to the 2003 English season he has this week made his test debut and after a nervous start with the new ball last night he has more than made up for it today by taking five Zimbabwe wickets.
"James Anderson, a star in the making," said commentator and former Hampshire player Mark Nicholas after his sensational afternoon spell of bowling of 4-20 brought him overall figures of 5-73.
"They'll be dancing in the aisles in Burnley," he added.
There is no doubt that 'Jimmy' has well and truly put us on the map again today and the whole town should be proud of him.
Well done again James from Clarets Mad.