Anderson believes England youth can overtake Australia

James Anderson might have enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence during the winter, but the Lancashire fast bowler yesterday set himself a considerable new challenge by suggesting that England have sufficient young talent to overtake Australia "in the next few years".

The 20-year-old made a big impact when he gained his England chance in the VB Series and the World Cup after impressing at the Academy under the guidance of the former Australian Test wicketkeeper, Rodney Marsh.

Despite England's 4-1 defeat in the Ashes series last winter, Anderson is confident about the future of the national side. "I don't see any reason why we cannot overtake Australia in the next few years," he said. "I was discussing this with the lads at the Academy, and there is no doubt we have some talented young players, while Australia might be struggling in the future because a number of their guys are in their thirties."

Anderson is one of several exciting youngsters who should aid England's recovery. The Surrey all-rounder Rikki Clarke is staking a strong claim to be in the side, while Nottinghamshire's Chris Read, fast-tracked into the team four years ago and still only 24, has impressed Anderson.

"Read's batting at the Academy was outstanding and Rikki Clarke is a very good all-rounder," Anderson insisted. "Then there are others, including my mate at Lancashire Kyle Hogg and [Hampshire's] Chris Tremlett."

England also have a trio of established players in their twenties in Michael Vaughan (28), Marcus Trescothick (27) and Andrew Flintoff (25).

However, while Australia do have several players in their thirties – Shane Warne (33 and serving a one-year ban for failing a drugs test) Glenn McGrath (33), Justin Langer (32), Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn (all 31), none are about to retire. They also have major stars in their late twenties, notably Brett Lee (26), Ricky Ponting and Jason Gillespie (both 28).