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PICS: England set for thumping win in Anderson farewell

Last updated on: July 12, 2024 00:36 IST

IMAGES from Day 2 of the first Test between England and the West Indies, at Lord's, London, on Thursday.

England pacer James Anderson celebrates dismissing Alick Athanaze for his 703rd Test wicket in the West Indies' second innings on Day 2 of the first Test, at Lord's, on Thursday.

IMAGE: England pacer James Anderson celebrates dismissing Alick Athanaze for his 703rd Test wicket in the West Indies' second innings on Day 2 of the first Test, at Lord's, on Thursday. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Reuters

The West Indies limped to 79-6 at the close on the second day of the first Test against England at Lord's on Thursday, trailing their hosts by 171 runs and heading for a heavy defeat.

Half-centuries by Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith lifted England to a first-innings total of 371 before James Anderson, playing his 188th and last Test match, bowled Windies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a fine delivery that jagged back.

 

Kirk McKenzie, Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge fell cheaply and only a battling partnership between Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder ensured the game went into a third day.

Anderson dismissed Athanaze for 22, however, and Gus Atkinson snared Holder for 20 with the final ball of the day to leave Joshua Da Silva unbeaten on eight.

Joe Root eased to his 62nd Test fifty before being dismissed for 68.

IMAGE: Joe Root eased to his 62nd Test fifty before being dismissed for 68. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Reuters

England had resumed on 189-3 in the morning and Brook batted with attacking intent, reaching his 12th fifty in 13 Tests before getting in a tangle over a short ball from Alzarri Joseph and skying a catch to wicketkeeper Da Silva.

Ben Stokes was bowled by Gudakesh Motie for four with a ball that spun sharply and struck the England captain's middle stump.

Harry Brook celebrates with Joe Root on reaching his half-century, his 12th in 13 Tests

IMAGE: Harry Brook celebrates with Joe Root on completing a half-century, his 12th in 13 Tests. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Reuters

Root eased to his 62nd Test fifty and looked completely untroubled until just before lunch when Motie produced another fine turning delivery to bowl him for 68.

The 23-year-old Smith, making his Test debut, shared a 52-run partnership with Chris Woakes who was caught at square leg off Jayden Seales for 23.

Alzarri Joseph celebrates with teammates after dismissing Harry Brook.

IMAGE: Alzarri Joseph celebrates with teammates after dismissing Harry Brook. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Reuters

Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who took seven West Indies first-innings wickets on his debut, fell first ball to Holder and Smith went on the attack, hitting two big sixes and eight fours in the sunshine to underline his potential.

Shoaib Bashir was run out by a brilliant throw from Louis and Smith became Seales' fourth victim when he holed out to McKenzie on the mid-wicket boundary.

Ben Stokes celebrates with teammates after dismissing West Indies opener Mikyle Louis in the second innings.

IMAGE: Ben Stokes celebrates with teammates after dismissing West Indies opener Mikyle Louis in the second innings. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Reuters

Anderson did not face a ball in what may be his final Test innings after receiving another warm ovation from the crowd as he walked out to bat.

The 41-year-old started his last opening spell with a maiden, however, and produced a trademark delivery to breach Brathwaite's defences and get England on a roll.

Gus Atkinson reacts after having Kavem Hodge bowled.

IMAGE: Gus Atkinson reacts after having Kavem Hodge bowled. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Reuters

Stokes trapped McKenzie lbw for nought to become only the third player to take 200 wickets and score 6,000 runs in Tests after West Indian Garry Sobers and South African Jacques Kallis.

The skipper also had Louis caught by wicketkeeper Smith, Atkinson bowled Hodge and Anderson dismissed Athanaze, his 703rd Test wicket, before Atkinson had Holder caught by Ollie Pope at short leg to complete an excellent day for England.

Source: REUTERS
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