BURNLEY pace bowler James Anderson's meteoric rise in world cricket continues.

The Lancashire quicky has been called into England's 15-man squad for the World Cup in South Africa in two months' time.

And he could well get his chance as England's selectors have gambled on the fitness of three players by including them all in their squad, including all-rounders Andrew Flintoff (hernia) and Craig White (side strain). They were today named in the party, despite both players facing a race against time to be fit for England's opening match against Zimbabwe in Harare on February 13.

Anderson's call-up comes after impressing on his debut in the one-day triangular competition against Australia two weeks ago, which he marked by taking the wicket of Adam Gilchrist.

He followed that performance up by snatching the wickets of Sanath Jayasuriya and Dilhara Fernando in the next game against Sri Lanka.

Anderson's delighted father Michael said: "It's a fantastic achievement considering how quickly things have happened.

"We'll be having extra celebrations tonight."

England's chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "I'm satisfied that the players selected in this squad represent the best mix of experience and youth that England has available to it.

"The unavailability of several key players for various reasons over recent months has given us the opportunity to bring in a number of young players into our plans, several of these players have responded extremely well to the challenge and we have had no hesitation in including them in the squad.

"So far as Andrew Flintoff is concerned, I can tell you that he his making good progress in his rehabilitation work with Dave Roberts at Lancashire and has been bowling at around 90 per cent pace in the nets whilst experiencing much less pain.

"The indications from the ECB Medical Officer are that Andrew will be fit and able to play a full part in the competition."