BURNLEY’S Ashes-winning hero James Anderson has joined his teammates in swapping bats and balls for pens and pencils to raise funds for the Cricket United charity appeal.

Alastair Cook’s men, who have recaptured the urn after taking a decisive 3-1 lead, have drawn portraits of their counterparts from 10 years ago, with the 2005 Ashes winners reciprocating.

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The appeal is a joint fundraising effort by the UK’s three leading cricket charities: Lord’s Taverners, Chance to Shine and the PCA Benevolent Fund which aims to improve lives through cricket.

Anderson tried his hand at drawing former England captain and now director of English Cricket Andrew Strauss.

He also drew 2005’s Ashes-winning bowling attack of Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and Simon Jones. The Welsh cricketer returned the gesture and drew a picture of the Burnley star.

Lancashire and England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler also got in on the act drawing Marcus Trescothick as the Michelin man.

It is not the first time England’s stars have aimed to show an aptitude for drawing with Joe Root, who studied art at A-level, earning rave reviews for his sketches of teammates Ian Bell and Monty Panesar two years ago.

The images will be available to buy on eBay, with the auction open until Sunday, August 23, while the three charities are urging those attending the third day of the final Ashes Test at the Oval to wear something blue as part of Cricket United Day.

England captain Cook, said: “It’s a bit of fun and the lads enjoyed drawing the 2005 guys.”

Other highlights of Cricket United Day on Saturday include blue coloured stumps and bails, umpires wearing blue ribbons on their hat and both England and Australia wearing special Test shirts with the Cricket United logo on the collars.