Retiring Anderson among wickets as England take charge of Lord’s Test

LONDON: James Anderson struck twice in his final innings and put England on the brink of a dominating victory over West Indies in the ongoing first Test of the two-match series here at Lord’s.

Anderson, opening the attack for the last time for England in his glittering career, gave the hosts a perfect start in the hunt for an innings victory as he got rid of West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite (4).

He returned to the attack to dismiss Alick Athanaze (22) while England captain Ben Stokes and debutant Gus Atkinson further added to the touring side’s misery, sharing four wickets between them.

At the Stumps on Day 2, West Indies were reeling at 79/6, needing a further 171 runs to make England bat again.

Earlier today, England finished their first innings at 371, courtesy of debutant Jamie Smith’s fine knock.

Smith played a cautious 70-run knock which featured eight fours and two sixes.

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Jamie Smith was involved in a crucial partnership for the home side when he put together 52 runs for the eighth wicket with Chris Woakes, who made 23.

Resuming England’s first innings at 199/3, Joe Root and Harry Brook stretched their overnight partnership to 91 runs until the latter perished soon after amassing his half-century.

Brook made 50 in 64 balls with the help of five fours and a six.

His dismissal was followed by the demise of England captain Stokes (4) and their set batter Root before Smith took charge of the hosts’ batting expedition.

Root was cleaned up by Gudakesh Motie on 68. His 114-ball knock featured seven boundaries.

Jayden Seales was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies with a four-fer, followed by Motie and Jason Holder, taking two each.

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