DAVID Lloyd believes James Anderson's future will be even brighter if he remains level headed.

The former Lancashire and England cricketer has been impressed by how the 20-year-old Burnley bowler has kept his feet on the ground throughout his meteoric rise on cricket's international stage.

And after watching him make history by becoming the youngest player to claim five wickets in his England Test debut innings, Lloyd encouraged Anderson to maintain that level of maturity.

"He did terrifically well. He bowled at a decent pace and did swing the ball, but I think he can bowl quicker," he said.

"It was brilliant for him to get five wickets at Lord's and to get his name on the board in the changing room.

"But he is not the finished article. I still think there is work to be done in terms of building him up and getting stronger.

"And he needs to understand where you can bowl and where you can't.

"But the thing that has impressed me about him is that he appears to have his feet on the ground and knows what's required.

"He knows what work he has to do and seems a very level headed lad."

Lloyd, who made his own Test debut against India in 1974, added: "You can't do better than getting five wickets on your Test debut. But, with all due respect, the standard of opposition was poor.

"Obviously, when he faces better players it will get harder.

"But I'm really pleased for the lad and what he's achieved.

"I think he is going to be rock solid.

"I don't think Duncan Fletcher will be worried about him not being focused because I don't think he will get distracted."

Anderson's figures of 5-73 prompted Zimbabwe to bow out in their first innings with just 147 and force the follow-on.

Four of his victims were bowled, and the pace ace became the first debutant to claim five wickets since 1995, when Dominic Cork achieved the same feat against the West Indies, also at Lord's.

England batsman Mark Butcher, who hit a century in the first Test as England set a target of 472, said: "James Anderson produced a terrific spell to take five wickets and force the follow-on from Zimbabwe.

"He could have had more in the second innings with a little more luck.

"Things seem to be happening for James and I am sure there will be even more to come from him."

Meanwhile, former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee has backed Anderson to prove England selector Rod Marsh wrong.

The legendary Australian wicket keeper, who was named as a selector this month, claimed he hadn't yet seen an outstanding fast bowler for England.

But Lillee said: "I disagree with Rod because I see some very fine young talent in the fast bowling department for England at the moment.

"I think the young lad Anderson is very good."

He added: "The thing is to keep up that standard, that endeavour all your career, not spasmodically."