BURNLEY skipper Jonathan Harvey says he's proud the Lancashire League champions have played some part in getting Jimmy Anderson fit for the Ashes.

Anderson, who missed most of the English summer with a stress fracture to the lower back, played for Burnley as part of his rehabilitation.

The 24-year-old star turned out in Burnley's last seven games, taking three wickets in the 14 overs he bowled, before stepping up his comeback with Lancashire.

And Harvey said he hoped that his stint back at Turf Moor has put him on track to helping England to retain the Ashes.

He said: "I know he's raring to go and it's nice to think that we played some small part in getting him fit.

"If he hadn't have played for us, he might not have played cricket at all. It was an opportunity for us and for Jimmy himself.

"He didn't want all the press attention, he just wanted to play cricket and we were able to give him that opportunity.

"He was full of beans and just happy to be playing cricket again."

The Burnley pro has seen Anderson up close and reckons he could take the series by storm.

He added: "I can see him making an impact in a big way.

"He hasn't played much this year but he's started the tour really well and he seems to be the main man at the moment.

"He knows he'll have to fight for his place but he's good enough, and fit enough, to really make an impact.

"The Aussies are going to be surprised just how fit he is. I know he did a lot of gym work and he's looking very sharp.

"A few of the boys are in contact with him out in Australia and we'll all be cheering him on from here."

"He's a great bowler and come the first Test next week I reckon he'll be a major player for England."