England secured a dominant victory over West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s, wrapping up a comfortable win by an innings and 114 runs on Friday. The match marked the end of a remarkable career for England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, James Anderson.
Before the start of play on the third day, Anderson received a standing ovation and a guard of honor from the crowd as he walked out for his 188th and final Test. Despite the emotional moment, the 41-year-old seamer quickly got to work, taking his 704th wicket by dismissing Joshua Da Silva for 9 runs. Anderson’s wicket, accompanied by the iconic Titanic theme music, highlighted the emotional farewell to a true legend of the game.
Anderson’s final wicket dented West Indies’ slim hopes of making England bat again. He also contributed to the dismissal of Alzarri Joseph (8), who top-edged Gus Atkinson to Ben Duckett on the leg-side boundary. Atkinson, making his Test debut, finished with an impressive 10 wickets for the match.
Another quick wicket fell as Shamar Joseph (3) was bowled by Atkinson, who delivered a straight yorker that the tailender attempted to hack across the line. Gudakesh Motie (31 not out) provided some resistance, almost providing Anderson with his 705th wicket when he drove the ball straight back to the bowler, but Anderson unfortunately spilled it. Motie also drove Atkinson to the cover boundary, forcing Anderson into a long chase and full-length dive to save a single run.
However, Atkinson ultimately wrapped up the innings when Jayden Seales (8) holed out to Duckett, ending West Indies’ innings at 136. England secured a decisive victory inside barely seven sessions, leaving West Indies with a heavy defeat.
The two teams will meet again in the second Test of the three-match series, starting at Trent Bridge next Thursday. While Anderson’s career has come to an end, his legacy as one of England’s greatest bowlers will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come. With 704 Test wickets, Anderson stands as the third highest wicket-taker in Test history and the most successful English bowler of all time. His contribution to the game will be remembered for years to come.
