JAMES Anderson's dad has been an inspiration to his England cricket international son in more ways than one.

For not only has Michael supported the 20-year-old throughout his rise from Lancashire League to international level, via the county scene, but he has also offered him professional advice as well.

Optician Michael discovered James' right eye was his most dominant. So the right-armed fast bowler changed his stance to bat left handed.

"There's a scientific reason for it all," Anderson said.

"Being an optician, my dad works on a lot of things to do with sports vision and he told me that everyone has a dominant eye.

"Mine is my right eye, so it's more beneficial for me to bat left-handed so that my right eye is nearest the ball.

"Similarly, Nasser Hussain bowls right-handed but writes left-handed."

But it's a different story when the Burnley pace ace is on the golf course.

"I play golf right-handed, just to confuse matters!"

Meanwhile, Anderson revealed his on the field influences in the cricket World Cup were former captain Hussain, fellow bowler Andy Caddick and wicket keeper Alex Stewart.

"Andy helped me a lot with his experience, and the fact he kept things tight meant I was more free to attack," he said.

"Nasser gave me on the field encouragement and reassurance, and because Alex Stewart had a good view of my bowling, he helped me quite a bit because he's experienced and knows what to look for.

"Duncan Fletcher gave me advice on the technical side and helped with both my bowling and my batting.

"But everyone chips in really. Everyone helps each other out, which is why we had such a good team spirit."