Jimmy Anderson was finally recognized by a guard of honor on day three of the first Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s, with the venue almost packed before the game even started People were anticipating and cheering the final moments of England’s greatest ever bowler’s international career.
Anderson said before the game that he didn’t appreciate any fuss, but he responded by applauding from all four directions of the pitch before helping his team to a lopsided victory by an innings and 114 runs.
Anderson later admitted he was emotional after ending his Test career. “It’s been a great week,” he told Sky Sports. “I was overwhelmed by the reaction from the crowd and everyone on the field and the lads. I’m just proud of what I’ve achieved.
“Obviously there was a lot of excitement for both teams this morning and the reaction from the crowd was really special. I’m still trying to catch them [tears] Now that I’m back, I think I’m really proud.
West Indies were bowled out for 136, slightly better than their first-innings score of 121. Caught at bat and badminton by Jamie Smith after being tempted.
But the spectators did not get to see the dreamy Hollywood climax as the home team were looking for the final wicket when Gurdaksh Mothy cut the ball back to the bowler at the start of the 44th over but Anderson caught it . The moment he realized the ball had slipped from his hands, the 41-year-old fell to his knees.
Not only were they witnessing the final moments of a great international career, those who took part in the match would also receive a full refund as England ended the match against West Indies with a score of 79-6 in less than 15 overs restart. Gus Atkinson took three more wickets, luring Alzarri Joseph to a short ball and Ben Duckett taking a catch on the boundary to convince Shamar Joseph looked forward to a similar delivery before beating him with a yorker and the over ended when Jayden Seales was also caught on the ropes by Duckett.
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Atkinson took seven wickets in the West Indies’ first innings and five in the second, becoming the first England player since John Lever in 1976 to do so. He was also the second English player to take as many as 10 wickets on his debut since Alec Bedser in 1946, and followed the example of Fred Martin in 1890. Achieving 12 points this year is a remarkable achievement so far.
The West Indies team had no thought of self-preservation, with Joseph and Moty in particular batting with real aggression. Their approach meant the former lasted just nine balls, but Mothy had more success after being bowled by Anderson in the seventh ball, even as two of his five boundaries went over the edge. He remained unbeaten with 31 runs and was the only West Indies player to score more than 27 runs in two innings.
