England’s comprehensive victory by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s hinged on an unforgettable debut performance by Gus Atkinson. His match figures of 12 for 106 are the second best on England debut after Frederick Martin’s 12 for 102 in 1972 against Australia.
James Anderson’s last hurrah saw him claim figures of 3-32 as he finished his Test career as the third leading wicket-taker with a staggering 704 to his name.
England fans would be happy to see Ben Stokes bowling at full tilt as the England captain sent down 18 overs across two innings, picking up three wickets. This included eight overs at a stretch in the first innings and 10 overs on the trot in the second.
Having been reduced to 79/6 at Stumps on Day 2, trailing still by 171 runs, West Indies’ lower order couldn’t offer much of a resistance, folding for 136 in their second essay.
Brief scores: West Indies 121 (Mikyle Louis 27; Gus Atkinson 7-45, Ben Stokes 1-14) & 136 (Gudakesh Motie 31*; Gus Atkinson 5-61, James Anderson 3-32) lost to England 371 (Zak Crawley 76, Jamie Smith 70, Joe Root 68, Ollie Pope 57, Harry Brook 50; Jayden Seales 4-77) by an innings & 114 runs.
Jimmy Anderson at his 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 best ✨#EnglandCricket | @Jimmy9 pic.twitter.com/98i7Uythss
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2024
