England star James Anderson believes Shropshire cricket prodigy James Taylor is on track to become a star of the international game, writes JAMES GARRISON.

Anderson was full of praise for former Shrewsbury School pupil Taylor, who has enjoyed a prolific two years with Leicestershire and forced his way into the England Lions squad.

And Anderson, speaking at the Andrew Flintoff Academy at Shrewsbury School where he was a special guest yesterday, believes Taylor is a star in making.

“I haven’t bowled to James but I’ve heard a lot about him and it’s all been very good reports” said Anderson.

“He has scored a hell of a lot of runs for Leicester and I’m sure, if he keeps being involved in the England Lions squad, he will have a big future.

“First and foremost you have to score runs for your county and if you do that you will get recognised.

“Jimmy is young enough and good enough to have a few years in the Lions and if he keeps scoring runs, he will have a very good chance to push on to the full team.”

Anderson spent yesterday afternoon passing on tips to dozens of promising youngsters from in and around Shropshire, and was impressed with the talent on display.

“It was great seeing the kids having fun and there were quite a few talented ones with potential,” added the Lancashire ace.

Anderson was also impressed with the Neville Cardus Cricket Centre at Shrewsbury School, commenting: “It’s a fantastic surface and probably better than a lot of counties have got in their indoor schools around the country.”