JAMES Anderson’s first senior skipper says it was clear from the start that Burnley’s headline-grabbing pace ace had something special – and never had any doubt about throwing the ball to him for the first time in a Lancashire League game.

Anderson has risen through the ranks and is now third on the all-time list of England wicket-takers behind only Sir Ian Botham and Bob Willis.

And both those greats have tipped him to beat their tally, while the 30-year-old is also challenging South African speed merchant Dale Steyn for the title of world’s best bowler.

While such lofty heights were nothing more than a pipe dream back when Burnley’s former captain and wicketkeeper Andy McLeod threw the ball to a rookie 15-year-old in a game at East Lancashire.

“He had been doing well in the seconds and got his chance at East Lancs,” recalled McLeod, now 39 and retired from the game.

“I had no concern about throwing the ball to him, there is no point putting a young lad in, batting him down the order and then not bowling him.

“Back then he certainly had the raw talent and he got the wicket of Phil Bolton, who was a damn good player for East Lancs.

“We lost the game but he bowled really well and got 1-13 from eight overs, which was a good return for a young lad.”

Anderson went on to play regularly for Burnley until 2002 when he really made his name on the county and international circuit and will lead the England attack once again today as he looks to follow up his 10-wicket haul at Trent Bridge with more wickets at Lord’s.

“I still see James occasionally,” added McLeod. “I went to his 30th last year and got a text back off him on Sunday after he bowled the Aussies out.

“Everyone in Burnley is proud of what he has done, and I suppose when I’m watching the Test I can tell people that I gave him his big break.”