Photo Credit: Getty Images
James Anderson, England's legendary bowler, delivered a fitting finale to his illustrious international career by taking two wickets in his last innings. His efforts have placed England on the brink of a resounding victory over West Indies in the first Test at Lord's.
Opening the attack for the final time, Anderson dismissed West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Alick Athanaze, helping to reduce the visitors to 79-6 by the close of play. With captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson also contributing two wickets each, West Indies now trail by 171 runs, needing a miracle to avoid an innings defeat.
Despite a commendable effort to bowl England out for 371, West Indies paid the price for their dismal first-innings total of 121. Jamie Smith, making his Test debut, shone with a composed 70, while Joe Root and Harry Brook contributed 68 and 50 respectively. However, no English batter managed to convert their starts into a substantial score.
England began the day at 189-3, with a lead of 68 runs. Despite a lackluster first hour for the West Indies, they managed to claw back, taking England's final seven wickets for 127 runs. Highlights included Mikyle Louis's spectacular run-out of Shoaib Bashir, followed by a jubilant celebration with his brother Jeremiah, also part of the West Indies squad.
West Indies' second innings started poorly, and at 37-4, the prospect of a two-day Test at Lord's loomed large, a rarity since 1888. Athanaze, Jason Holder, and Joshua da Silva managed to extend the match into a third day, but England remains firmly in control.
Smith's debut behind the stumps was noteworthy, especially given his potential to adapt his batting style as needed. His partnership with Root, followed by his aggressive late-order hitting, showcased his talent. Smith's innings featured impressive sixes and a quick acceleration from 30 off 47 balls to 70 off 89 balls.
As England's innings concluded, Anderson received a standing ovation while walking to the middle and led the team off the field without facing a ball. His unbeaten nought marked his 114th not-out in Test cricket, setting a record unlikely to be surpassed.
Anderson's opening spell was vintage, bowling with precision and dismissing Brathwaite with a delivery that nipped down the slope. Stokes, achieving his 200th Test wicket, joined the elite club of players with 6,000 runs and 200 wickets. His milestone was celebrated with the wicket of Louis, caught behind.
Atkinson continued his impressive performance, taking the wickets of Hodge and Holder, the latter off the final ball of the day. Anderson, poised for a memorable farewell, leaves the field with a legacy cemented as one of cricket's greatest bowlers.
