James Anderson's road to England record glory

Fast bowler James Anderson etched his name into the annals of sporting history on Friday when he eclipsed Sir Ian Botham’s record for the most England Test wickets.

Burnley’s ‘King of Swing’ snared his 384th victim – Denesh Ramdin – on the final day of the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua to become the most prolific bowler in the country’s history.

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So now Anderson’s status as England’s greatest bowler is no mere matter of opinion but statistical fact. Anderson, 32, who lives with his wife, Daniella Lloyd, and their daughters, Lola and Ruby in Cheshire, has kept close to his Burnley roots.

He grew up in the town with dad Mick, 53, mum Catherine, 51, and younger sister Sarah, and joined Lancashire at 18.

He began playing cricket for Burnley Cricket Club’s under-11s when he was nine, before making his first XI debut at the age of 15.

His first representative cricket came when he played for Lancashire Under 15B team at the age of 17.

Aged 18, he was offered a professional contract by Lancashire.

Anderson made his international debut aged just 20, being talked about as much for his bright red hair highlights as his early burst of wickets.

Few people are better placed to comment on Anderson’s record-breaking career than his uncle, Neil Anderson.

Neil, 59, himself a former player with Burnley CC in the Lancashire League and Padiham CC in the Ribblesdale League, recalls his son, Lee, doing battle with James in his back garden as 10-year-olds.

“They used to play cricket and football,” said Neil. “Lee is a year older than Jimmy but they started out together.

“Even then, you could see he had a really natural action.

“It wasn’t until his mid-teens that he gained the pace.

“He started doing a lot with the ball and taking first-team wickets, getting out professionals – that’s when Lancashire started to sit up and take notice.”

Burnley Labour candidate Julie Cooper praised the former St Theodore’s RC High School pupil’s ‘marvellous achievement’.

She said: “It’s unbelievable he’s been so consistent for so long. In my opinion he’s not only the best England has produced but one of the best the world has seen.

“I was privileged to meet him when he was granted the freedom of the borough.

“His family and friends, and indeed the whole town of Burnley, are immensely proud that our lad has broken the record.”

England captain Alastair Cook still recalls his early meetings with the prickly young opponent.

A decade on, with evergreen Anderson breaking Sir Ian Botham’s all-time record, it is the 6ft2in bowler’s ability to make the ball ‘talk’ which leaves Cook in awe.

“He’s the most skilful bowler in the world.

“ What amazes me is how he keeps trying to improve his bowling... you can always see he’s trying to work on something, which is a great attitude.”