GROWING up as an aspiring fast bowler, it was a near impossibility for Tom Curran not to be drawn into the achievements of James Anderson.

Now, with the hero quick reaching 500 Test wickets and counting, one of England’s newest international stars doesn’t have to look too far for inspiration.

Curran was named in England’s squad for the upcoming Royal London One Day International series against West Indies, with a potential debut to come at Old Trafford tomorrow.

But before that, the 22-year-old was quick to praise the ever-impressive performances of Lancashire’s favourite son – a man who made his own ODI debut when Curran was just seven years old.

“It’s an amazing achievement what Jimmy has done in his career, there’s no doubt that his record speaks for itself,” said the Surrey bowler.

“He is one of the greatest of all time, and for any young bowler or aspiring cricket, he is a huge source of inspiration and will be for the rest of his career.

“It’s amazing watching him do his thing, the way he goes about everything, you’re able to see just why he has been as successful as he has and it is a privilege watching him.”

While the achievements of the 35-year-old are notable in itself, it’s the longevity that has really caught the eye of Curran, who made his Twenty20 debut against South Africa earlier this year.

That has included battling past four injuries in the past two years, recovering to take his place in the record books once more with a career best 7-42 against West Indies in the last outing.

And Curran believes the longevity of Anderson can only be good for his own career – so long as England’s record wicket-taker hasn’t hit four figures by the time he eventually hangs up his boots.

“He’s been playing Tests for more than 13 years, and as a cricketer that’s what you want to be doing, to be there as long as you can,” he added.

“The way he is able to condition his body, that’s something that’s only going to get higher and higher as other careers go on, which is encouraging for everyone involved.

“But this isn’t the end for him, he had injury problems but is back firing, and with the way he’s bowling now he could get another 500!”

Tom Curran was speaking on behalf of Royal London, proud sponsors of One Day cricket, ahead of the upcoming ODI Series v West Indies.