Calls grow for Jimmy Anderson to be honoured with lasting Burnley tribute

The "Burnley Express" became the first pace bowler, and only fourth ever bowler in total, to reach 600 Test victims, during the Third Test against Pakistan last month.

Since then, our social media channels have been inundated with messages calling for the 38-year-old's phenomenal exploits to be celebrated with a tribute befitting the indisputable title of "Burnley's greatest ever sportsman".

Suggestions have ranged from erecting a statue in the town centre to renaming Belvedere Road – the road next to Burnley Cricket Club where he honed his craft – to James Anderson Way.

Burnley Cricket Club chairman David Lawson said: "Of course we think something should be done in recognition of what Jimmy has achieved. 600 wickets is just incredible.

"It's great for the town. He's put Burnley on the map; I can't think of a greater sportsman the town has produced.

"Renaming Belvedere Road - James Anderson Way or putting a statue in the town centre; we would fully support either of these.

"He's still a great supporter of the cricket club and continues to support us in a range of ways.

"He sponsored the team for a couple of years through his company, and comes down to the club whenever he can. He keeps threatening to come and play for us once he retires; he says he'd love to play against Lowerhouse one more time. But who knows when that's going to be with the way he's still playing?"

A former St Theodore’s RC High School pupil, Anderson played for Burnley in the Lancashire League before going on to represent Lancashire at county level.

The achievements and accolades have continued to come thick and fast.

In 2011, he became the youngest person to be granted ‘Freedom of the Borough’ in recognition of his outstanding services to cricket – the highest civic honour Burnley Council can bestow.

Four years later, he took his 384th Test wicket to leapfrog Sir Ian Botham and become England's highest wicket-taker in Test history. In 2017, he became just the sixth bowler in the history of crickets to take 500 Test wickets.

This latest memorable landmark solidifies his position as one of the game's all-time greats.

Lowerhouse Cricket Club chairman Stan Heaton said Anderson's achievements didn't just transcend local cricketing rivalry, but sport itself.

"If I could afford it [a statue] I would buy one myself," he said. "I've been saying it for years. If Burnley has produced a greater sportsman, I can't think of them.

"It would be shameful if nothing was done.

"Burnley is a hotbed for cricket. And he is an inspiration to us all. When I am coaching I say to the kids he only rose to greatness as he got older. It was when he was 15/16 years old. I tell them they can strive for that.

"There has to be some recognition. A statue, perhaps. We have street names named after all and sundry, places in the Lakes, flowers – surely we could have a James Anderson Way or an Anderson Avenue.

"He is such a modest lad, so down to earth and unassuming. He probably wouldn't want the fuss, but if the town does not recognise what he has achieved they are effectively saying one of the greatest bowlers of all time is not worthy. What message does that send out?"

The Mayor of Burnley, Coun. Wajid Khan, said: "This is a great achievement and Jimmy has done himself, his home town and his country proud. He is a wonderful ambassador for Burnley. The council has already granted him the Freedom of the Borough. We're happy to look at other ways in which his achievements can be recognised."

Leader of Burnley Council, Coun. Charlie Briggs, added: "I was honoured to second the motion to grant Jimmy the Freedom of the Borough in 2011 and I'm delighted that he has gone on to even greater success since then. We are all very proud of what he's done."