NEW DELHI: Pace great
James Anderson
bowed out of international cricket on a winning note as England thrashed West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test at Lord's on Friday.
Anderson, in his 188th and final Test, took a wicket on the third day, marking the end of his illustrious career.
Before the start of play, a visibly emotional Anderson walked onto the field to a guard of honour and a standing ovation from the crowd.
However, the 41-year-old quickly focused on the game, and in his second over of the day, he dismissed Joshua Da Silva for 9, claiming his 704th Test wicket.
Anderson’s wicket greatly diminished West Indies' chances of making England bat again.
Da Silva's departure was quickly followed by that of Alzarri Joseph, who scored 8 runs. Joseph attempted to fight back with an aggressive approach, even clobbering Gus Atkinson for a boundary. However, Joseph's efforts were short-lived as he top-edged an Atkinson to Ben Duckett, giving him his 10th wicket on his Test debut.
Shamar Joseph then managed to score only 3 runs before being clean bowled by Atkinson.
Joseph's dismissal left Gudakesh Motie to resist England's bowlers. Motie, who remained not out at 31, managed to produce moments of resistance, including a drive to the cover boundary that prompted a lengthy chase and a dive from Anderson. There was a moment when Motie nearly handed Anderson his 705th Test wicket by driving the ball straight back to him, but Anderson spilled the catch.
Anderson didn’t get another opportunity to secure a final wicket.
Atkinson brought the game to a close when Jayden Seales, who added 8 runs, was caught by Duckett, leaving West Indies all out for 136. This concluded a comprehensive win for England inside seven sessions.
The two teams will face off again in the second Test of the three-match series, which begins at Trent Bridge next Thursday.
English (US) ·