ENGLAND star James Anderson is set to make a sensational return to Lancashire League cricket as part of his rehabilitation for this winter's Ashes series.
The 24-year-old star has been out of action since March after suffering a stress fracture of the back on England's winter tour of India.
The pace bowler has been in rehabilitation ever since and has been given special dispensation by Lancashire to step up his fitness fight and play for Burnley this weekend, who still hold his registration, starting with their crunch clash with fellow title-chasers Bacup.
And Burnley professional Jon Harvey said it was a massive boost to the club.
He said: "He's been given permission to get some cricket under his belt as part of his rehabilitation for the Ashes.
"We would have had title ambitions with or without James Anderson but to be able to include someone like him is superb. How long he's allowed to play for us is down to Lancashire."
Chairman John Heys added: "It's great news for the club, the supporters and Lancashire League cricket."
Anderson joined the Turf Moor side at the age of 10 but made his senior bow at the age of 15 in 1997.
In five years in the Lancashire League before being taken on by Lancashire, Anderson took 150 wickets, with a best of 6-36 against Accrington in 2001 and scored 441 runs. His highest score was 49 not out against Todmorden in 2001.
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