Gus Atkinson outshines James Anderson on debut as England skittle West Indies on day one of first Test
Published 10/07/2024 at 19:10 GMT+1
Debutant Gus Atkinson recorded the incredible figures of seven for 45 on an emotional day of Test cricket at Lord's. The 26-year-old helped England dismiss the West Indies for just 121 in their first innings, on a day when the focus was squarely on team-mate James Anderson. The Lancastrian will retire from international cricket after this match, and claimed his 701st Test wicket in Jayden Seales.
Anderson ‘has no regrets’ ahead of retirement from England Test team
Video credit: TNT Sports
On a day when English cricket united to celebrate the imminent retirement of James Anderson, it was a man 15 years his junior who stole the show as the first Test against the West Indies got under way.
Debutant Gus Atkinson ran through the tourists' middle order as they were skittled for 121 in their first innings.
The Surrey seamer took seven wickets as he made the perfect start to his international career in red ball cricket.
In response, Ben Stokes' side then raced to 189-3 at the close of play.
It was an emotional start to the day, as England supporters got a chance to pay tribute to Anderson, who is playing his 188th and final Test.
The 41-year-old led his team-mates down the Lord's steps to a standing ovation, before his daughters rang the bell to signal the start of play.
- ‘We want that urn back’ - Anderson exit motivated by Ashes bid, Stokes hints
- Anderson: I have 'made peace' with imminent retirement ahead of Windies Test
But after a wicketless opening spell, the 'Burnley Express' watched on as Atkinson left the Windies rocking.
The seamer claimed his first scalp with just his second delivery, bowling opposition captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who dragged on to his own stumps.
He also dismissed Kirk McKenzie before lunch, while skipper Ben Stokes, back with ball in hand for his country following some fitness issues, accounted for Mikyle Louis.
That left the tourists on 61 for 3 at lunch, but they collapsed after the interval thanks to a stunning burst from Atkinson.
The 26-year-old bowled a triple-wicket maiden as he dismissed Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva within the space of four balls.
Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph also fell to the debutant, who eventually finished with the remarkable figures of seven for 45.
Anderson would not be denied his moment in the spotlight though.
The Lancastrian, who is the leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the history of Test cricket, trapped Jayden Seales LBW, his 701st scalp in the format.
With bat in hand, it did not take England long to haul in their opponents' score, despite Ben Duckett being caught behind for three.
Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope wasted no time in reaching 100 for 1 in only 23.1 overs, while the latter needed only 70 deliveries to record his half century, four quicker than his team-mate.
Pope was eventually dismissed by Jason Holder for 57, while Seales bowled Crawley for 76.
Joe Root (15 not out) and Harry Brook (25 not out) saw England safely through to the close though, with their unbeaten partnership of 36 meaning the hosts will have a lead of 68 when play resumes tomorrow.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement