• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 07/12/2024
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James Anderson fulfilled his wish to contribute to an England victory, although the Lord’s crowd was denied the fairytale five-for. He concluded his illustrious Test career with three wickets in the innings, four in the match, and a total of 704 wickets spanning over two decades. England completed the formalities of a crushing victory over West Indies, with Anderson taking his final bow.

A legendary career 👏 James Anderson 🙌#WTC25 pic.twitter.com/sViECTJjPc

— ICC (@ICC) July 12, 2024

Atkinson Takes Center Stage

As Anderson exited the field, his latest successor, Gus Atkinson, stepped into the spotlight. Atkinson delivered a stellar performance, claiming three more wickets to end his debut match with impressive figures of 12 for 106 – the best by an Englishman on Test debut since 1890. Despite denying Anderson the chance to finish his career with a five-for, Atkinson’s ruthless display was commendable as he dismantled the West Indies tail.

1️⃣2️⃣ wickets 🤯

Gus Atkinson has the fourth best figures on Test debut IN HISTORY! 👏 pic.twitter.com/UGpvtLurqs

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2024

In a moment of near-fairytale, Anderson missed a catch off his own bowling, dropped by West Indies’ No. 9, Gudakesh Motie. The missed opportunity drew gasps and groans from the crowd, though Anderson took it in stride, smiling as he knelt mid-pitch. Reflecting on his career during a post-match interview on Sky Sports, Anderson expressed pride in his achievements despite the missed catch: “I’m gutted I dropped that catch, to be honest. It’s been an amazing week, I’ve been quite overwhelmed with the reaction, proud of what I’ve achieved.”

Motie emerged as West Indies’ top scorer across both innings, ending with 31 not out. However, neither batting effort from the visitors lasted more than 47 overs, highlighting the gulf between the sides. Atkinson’s pace and accuracy proved too much for the West Indies, with the Surrey bowler wrapping up his second five-for of the match by dismissing Jayden Seales, who holed out to deep midwicket.

A Guard of Honour

As Anderson took the field for the final time, he was met with a guard of honour formed by players from both teams. Despite the grey skies, there was a hint of a smile as Anderson doffed his cap in appreciation of the crowd’s applause.

Anderson claimed the first wicket of the morning with his seventh ball, a classic delivery that nipped away to kiss Joshua Da Silva’s outside edge. With three West Indies wickets remaining, Anderson was on the brink of ending his career with a 33rd five-wicket haul. However, Atkinson seized the moment, continuing his dominance from day one when he took seven wickets in his first Test bowl.

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Alzarri Joseph was the next to fall, unable to outmatch Atkinson in their short-ball contest despite changing his bat twice. Joseph’s dismissal gave Atkinson his ten-wicket haul. Motie, attempting to counter Anderson’s bowling, managed to score a boundary before Atkinson delivered a searing yorker to dismiss Shamar Joseph. Anderson had a chance to end the match, but perhaps, as he hinted, he wasn’t ready to go. Atkinson then bounced out Seales, leaving Anderson looking as pleased as ever during his 188 Tests for England.