New Delhi: England talisman James Anderson called it curtains on his two decades of storied Test career after England thrashed the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test at Lord’s on Friday, July 12. Following his overnight figures of 10-5-11-2, Anderson got West Indies wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva behind the wickets to finish his prolonged journey with 704 dismissals in Test cricket, making him the third highest bowler in the older format behind Shane Warne (708) and Muttiah Muralitharan (800).
In Anderson’s last hurrah, Surrey pacer Gus Atkinson smoked fire with the red cherry. He claimed five wickets, including the final dismissal of Jayden Seales, to give England a 1-0 advantage in the three-match Test series. Atkinson registered the third-highest figures (12/106) on debut by a pace bowler. It was perhaps a change of guard moment, one where England discovered their new man to spearhead the attack. The one under whom he bid adieu has shouldered the responsibility for a decade-and-a-half now.
“It’s been an amazing 20 years. Overwhelming to see the crowd reaction. It has been pretty special. Every time I wear this shirt I tried to win games for England. Has been different. Emotions have been up and down. Seeing my girls ring the bell on Day 1. It has been an amazing 20 years,” Anderson said after the match in his farwell speech.
“You can’t have a long career without the support network behind you. It’s the familys journey as well as it is ours. As I mentioned, winnings series and Test matches are the only thing I will be interested in. Winning in Australia, India and contributing to those wins is really, really special,” the 41-year-old added.
Feeble West Indies falter early on Day 3
After being reduced to 79 for 6 at the end of the second day along with the 171-run trail seemed like a mountain for England to climb. However, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie played some delighted strokes to keep them in runs, and inadvertently, helped them play a bit longer than what their innings was expected to fold up.
Atkinson ran through the lower West Indies order after Anderson drew the first blood of the day, his last in international cricket. Motie remained unbeaten on 31 as the top-scorer for the visitors in an innings they bundled up at 137 in 47 overs.
England and West Indies will play the second Test match at Trent Bridge in Nottingham between July 18 and July 22. Nevertheless, a new era starts for Ben Stokes & Co without their talisman in their side.
England talisman James Anderson called it curtains on his two decades of storied Test career after England thrashed the West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test at Lord’s on Friday, July 12. Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
