Anderson Bows Out with 704 Wickets as Atkinson Shines in England’s Victory over West Indies
James Anderson, one of the greatest cricketers of all time, finished his remarkable Test career with 704 wickets.
Although the Lord’s audience had anticipated a fantastic five-wicket haul, Anderson was only able to claim three wickets throughout the innings and four for the entire match. Anderson did not make the winning catch, but his contribution to England’s convincing performance was crucial.
England 371 (Crawley 76, Smith 70, Root 68, Pope 57, Brook 50, Seales 4-77) beat West Indies 121 (Atkinson 7-45) and 136 (Atkinson 5-61, Anderson 3-32) by an innings and 114 runs.
He claimed that his only goal was to help the team win. James Anderson’s wish was granted, but the fairytale five-for that appeared to be up for grabs at the beginning of day three was not granted to the Lord’s crowd. As England completed the preliminaries of a crushing victory over West Indies, he concluded with three wickets in the innings, four for the match, and 704 for his career in Test cricket, which has lasted over twenty years.
His most recent replacement took center stage as Anderson made his farewell bow. After finishing an outstanding opening performance with match figures of 12 for 106, the highest by an Englishman on his Test debut since 1890, Gus Atkinson took three more wickets.
Though Atkinson’s sly smile may have been partially caused by realizing that he had robbed Anderson of the opportunity to round off his incredible Test career with two appearances on the Lord’s honours board, his brutality was commendable as he destroyed the West Indies.
Even better, Anderson let go of a chance to end the game with a catch off his own bowling, which was offered to him by Gudakesh Motie, the number nine. Gasps and groans filled the air, but Anderson could not help smiling as he fell to his knees in the middle of the pitch, the ball rebounding out of his fingers as he attempted to catch it with one hand. In contrast to Stuart Broad, his longstanding new-ball partner, the Hollywood ending was not meant to be.
With a pint of Guinness clutched in the locker room, Anderson appeared glum during his final Sky Sports interview, saying, “I’m gutted I dropped that catch, to be honest.” This week has been incredible; I’m pleased of everything I’ve accomplished and have been quite overwhelmed by the response.”
After batting for 31 runs without giving up, Motie emerged as the leading scorer for the West Indies in both innings. The fact that neither of the visiting team’s batting efforts lasted longer than 47 overs highlighted the disparity between the two teams, with the West Indies being especially unable to keep up with Atkinson’s accuracy and velocity. When Jayden Seales holed out to deep midwicket, the Surrey player finished with his second five-for of the game.
7722 days after making his Test debut against Zimbabwe, Anderson faced yet another ceremony as he walked out onto the pitch for the last time as a cricket player. This time, a guard of honour made up of players from both sides. Even though the sky was overcast, he seemed to smile somewhat as he raised his cap to acknowledge the cheers of the audience.
Also Read: James Anderson: England’s Reluctant Legend Faces Final Bow- 2024 Updated
With his eighth ball, a typical Anderson delivery that nipped away on fourth stump to kiss Joshua Da Silva’s outside edge, he took the first wicket of the morning. Anderson was two wickets away from capping a legendary career with a 33rd five-wicket haul with three West Indies wickets remaining when Atkinson grabbed the opportunity, just as he had on the opening day when he swept up seven in his opening Test bowl.
The next man out was Alzarri Joseph, who had switched bats twice in an attempt to outbomb Atkinson in their short-ball match. Despite using a larger stick, he was unable to clear a deep backward square leg, giving Atkinson his ten wicket haul.
Motie vowed not to pass away while he continued to probe and prod at Anderson, clumping him for a boundary down the ground, but Atkinson crushed any emotion with a blistering yorker, blowing out Shamar Joseph’s off stump.
Anderson had the opportunity to pull the curtain himself, but as he’s suggested this week, maybe he wasn’t prepared? After Atkinson outscored Seales, Anderson appeared to be in the best of moods throughout his 188 Test matches for England.
