ENG vs WI 1st Test, Day 1: Highlights

Right then, that's a wrap on the first Test of the 2024 Richards-Botham Trophy, where England secured a dominant victory to take the lead in this three-match series. Interestingly, this mirrors the West Indies' start to their Test series in Australia earlier in the year, where they suffered a comprehensive defeat in the first Test inside three days. However, they bounced back with a historic win at the Gabba, their first in Australia in 27 years, to end the series on a level footing. Similarly, the West Indies have not won a Test series in England since 1988. If Kraigg Brathwaite and his team hope to win a series in England for the first time in 36 years, they will need to draw inspiration from that remarkable Gabba victory and conjure up a spirited effort to take the series to a decider. The second Test starts on Thursday, 18th July at Trent Bridge in Nottingham with the first ball to be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT). As always, you can join us in advance for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Next up, the ECB chairman Richard Thompson presents James Anderson with a special painting of his 700th Test wicket. The great man comes in for a chat now. Anderson says that it has been an amazing journey and he is quite overwhelmed with the support this week. Adds that the journey has been pretty special and every time he wore this shirt, he tried to win games for England. Shares that the emotions have been up and down right from Day 1 when his daughters rang the bell. Tells that the past 20 years have been amazing and he enjoyed every moment. States that you can't have a long career without family support and it is not only the player's journey but the journey of the family too. Mentions that winning series and winning Test matches have been the only thing that he has been interested in. Further says that winning in Australia, winning in India, becoming the number 1 side in the world and contributing in those series are the things he will remember. Says that he has never moved away from any responsibility and when the captain throws you the ball late in the day, it shows your character and how deep can you actually dig. Feels that Test cricket is a roller coaster ride and you need to be spot on as a team and perform. Lauds Gus Atkinson for the way he bowled and feels that Atkinson has all the attributes to become a great bowler in Test cricket.

The skipper of England, Ben Stokes says it is a really good start. Says to come out and put in a comprehensive performance like this is clinical. Adds before the game, it was exciting to see new lads getting the debut caps. Appreciates Gus Atkinson and says that he is incredibly skillful. And mentions that he used the Lord's slope to his advantage. Further says that taking 12 wickets in the first Test is incredible and exciting. Says for the new guys starting their careers it's about making sure they know they can express themselves in the way they want to. Says there's absolute freedom to play your natural game, and that's what he and their coach Brendon McCullum are trying to do. On being asked about his knee he says it is great to be back and able to contribute with the ball and says he felt he bowled in good rhythm in both innings. On Anderson's career, he mentions that he is an incredible inspiration for millions of people. Says a lot of youngsters look up to him and want to emulate his career which is going to be very hard to do. Says Anderson is 41 and is always looking to get better. Mentions he always wants to contribute to the team's win in every possible way. Also says, that every time he has walked onto the field, he has done exactly that.

The captain of West Indies, Kraigg Brathwaite says that they disappointed themselves with the bat and when you score just 100 runs with the bat, you are always behind the game. Feels that bowling was a positive but they could have still done better. Believes that this team has it in them to win a Test here in England and it is about the guys having the same belief. Further says that being mentally strong after such a defeat is important. Tells that fast bowlers, especially those who came from the World Cup will need some time to get into a rhythm and feels that Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph will be better in the next two Tests.

Gus Atkinson is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his sensational debut, taking 12 wickets in his maiden Test. He thanks James Anderson and says that playing in Anderson's last Test is just incredible. Says growing up, he would come here to Lord's just to watch Jimmy bowl. On being asked about opting out of the Indian T20 League, Atkinson says he struggled with his rhythm at the start of the season with Surrey and needed a few red-ball games leading into this. Ends up by saying that now he thinks it was the right decision to do so.

First up, MCC president Mark Nicholas greets James Anderson and announces that the retiring pacer has been made an honorary life member of the club.

Stick around for the presentation ceremony...

On the first morning, England won the toss and Ben Stokes chose to bowl under overcast conditions. West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and debutant Mikyle Louis started well, with Louis quickly punishing loose deliveries. England's debutant Gus Atkinson made an immediate impact, taking a wicket with his second delivery and, supported by Ben Stokes, dismantled the Windies' top order. After a promising start by Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge, West Indies collapsed dramatically, losing their last 7 wickets for just 33 runs to be bowled out for 121. Atkinson was the wrecker in chief, finishing with exceptional figures of 12-5-45-7, just missing out on becoming the first Englishman to take eight wickets on debut as Anderson ended the innings by dismissing Seales. Despite an early breakthrough by Seales, the West Indies bowlers struggled to capitalize, and with sunny conditions, the English batters found it easier to build partnerships. Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley scored fifties, while Joe Root and Harry Brook furthered England's lead, finishing the day 68 runs ahead.

Having fallen behind on the first day, it was important for the West Indies to pick themselves and find a way back in the contest early on Day 2. The highlight of the morning session for them was Gudakesh Motie producing two superb deliveries, one to Ben Stokes that spun in sharply off the footmarks and the other, an arm ball that seemed to deviate away off the seam to remove Joe Root. The debutant Jamie Smith then took over and helped England end up with a lead of 250 runs. In response, West Indies' openers made a cautious start before Kraigg Brathwaite was undone by an absolute seed by James Anderson. Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes soon got into the act as the trio chipped away at the wickets. Kirk Mckenzie became Stokes' 200th Test victim, marking a milestone for the English skipper. Stokes became just the third player after Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis to score 6000 runs and take 200 wickets in Test cricket. Alick Athanaze could not see himself through til the end of the day's play while Jason Holder looked set to do so until he was bounced out on what ended up being the last ball of the day, leaving West Indies at 79/6 with a deficit of 171 runs going into Day 3.

Coming to what transpired on Day 3, it was just the perfect start to the day for James Anderson and England. The retiring pacer produced a peach of a delivery to nick Joshua Da Silva off. It did not take long for the debutant Gus Atkinson to get into the act as he helped England inch further towards the win with a couple of wickets. Amidst all this, Gudakesh Motie had a bit of fun, as all tailenders do with nothing to lose. With 9 wickets down, the stage was set for James Anderson to end his career by taking the final wicket and he almost did but ended up dropping a simple chance to his left off his own bowling. Eventually, it was Gus Atkinson who took the last wicket, bouncing out Jayden Seales, helping England complete a win by an innings and 114 runs. Gus Atkinson ended with 12 wickets in the game, 7 in the first inning and 5 in the second inning in what turned out to be a dream Test debut for the man from Chelsea. Atkinson's match figures of 12 for 106 are the third-best for a pacer on Test debut.

On May 22, 2003, a young James Anderson took to the field, making his Test debut at this very venue against Zimbabwe. Fast forward 21 years, and we now witness the end of an extraordinary journey that has seen Anderson age like the finest of wines. Remarkably, the circle of time brings a poetic touch to his career, as he bowled his first delivery in Test cricket on a Friday, and it is indeed a Friday when he delivered his last. The symmetry is almost too perfect, a fitting end to the saga of one of cricket’s greats. Started off like any other cricketer, with a big zero next to his name. But boy, did he change that in a hurry. Cast your mind back to May 2003, when he made his debut against Zimbabwe. Sent down an absolute beauty that clipped the top of Mark Vermeulen's off-stump. Since then, Anderson's been on a tear. The guy's bowled more overs than you can shake a stick at. With over 6,600 overs bowled in Test cricket. That's a lot of running up and down the pitch, no two ways about it. He's bowled more than 1,700 maidens. But here's the real kicker. With 32 five-wicket hauls, he sits pretty at number six on the all-time list for most fifers in Test cricket. 

Gus Atkinson finishes off the innings to give England a 1-0 lead in the series! The man that James Anderson is, he has always put his team ahead of personal milestones and will have no regrets about missing out on the final wicket. The entire Lord's rises in a heartfelt standing ovation to bid farewell to a true legend of the game. Emotions run high among Anderson's family in the stands, mirroring the sentiment of fans worldwide. Embrace from each of his teammates before Anderson leads his team off the field for one final time in international cricket, with each step a testament to his unwavering passion and the indelible mark he leaves on the sport. The Lancashire man bows out with 704 Test wickets to his name, placing him third behind Muttiah Muralitharan with 800 and Shane Warne with 708 on the wicket-taker list in Tests but the leading wicket-taker among pacers in Test cricket.

46.6: Gus Atkinson to Jayden Seales, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Gus Atkinson wraps up in style with a sensational 5-fer. He ends up with 12 wickets in his first Test. England clinically win by an inning and 114 runs. Gus Atkinson bends his back and bangs a short-pitched delivery on the stumps, Jayden Seales reacts quickly to the length, readies himself for the pull shot, and transfers the weight on the back foot. He does connect the shot well and pulls in the air towards the deep square leg area. However, he couldn't power away the ball over the fence and Ben Duckett stationed right on the boundary at deep square leg, judges the catch well and grabs it safely over his head. All good things do come to an end, they say! James Anderson ends his illustrious 21-year Test career on that note with 704 wickets to his name in 188 matches.

46.5: Gus Atkinson to Jayden Seales, Full in length, and on off, Jayden Seales shovels it out straight to cover.

46.4: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, Atkinson keeps his length intact, on a length, around off, Gudakesh Motie creates room for him and toe-ends the shot with a horizontal bat to the left of mid off for one.

46.3: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, Hard length, and angling on off, Gudakesh Motie punches it to the cover fielder.

46.2: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, FOUR! Hacked! A bumper on the middle, Gudakesh Motie sways from the line, clearing his front leg and bends to his right to pull it away. However, the ball is too close to pull and takes the top over the keeper's head for a boundary.

46.1: Gus Atkinson to Jayden Seales, Short of a good length from Atkinson on the middle, pulled away by Seales to deep backward square leg for one.

We will be having one more before the drinks break. It will be Gus Atkinson to continue.

45.6: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, An appeal for LBW but 'NO' says the umpire. Anderson angles onto the middle and leg stump line, Gudakesh Motie misses to connect and wears it on the pads. 

45.5: James Anderson to Jayden Seales, 'Catch It' is the collective call but it lands way short ahead of Ben Duckett at deep square leg. Anderson hurls it on a fuller length, in front of the pegs, Jayden Seales flicks it uppishly over square leg and takes a single. Ben Duckett runs forward and collects it on a single bounce.

45.4: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Anderson angles it into the batter but hurls it down the leg side, Gudakesh Motie guides the ball with a gentle tuck through square leg for one.

45.3: James Anderson to Jayden Seales, Hard length, on the off, Jayden Seales solidly blocks it near the strip to the off side and takes a quick single.

45.2: James Anderson to Jayden Seales, FOUR! Nice shot down the ground! Anderson overpitches with a beautiful seam position, looking to shape into the batter from that angle, but the ball doesn't move a bit. Jayden Seales plants his front foot ahead and spanks it down the ground for a boundary.

45.1: James Anderson to Jayden Seales, Angles away from the off stump, on a fuller length, Jayden Seales swings but gets beaten on the outside edge.

So, James Anderson does get another shot at wrapping things up and he is up against Jayden Seales with the crowd and his family willing him on.

44.6: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, FOUR! That's powered away by Motie! Full length on the off stump, Motie clears the front leg and hits through mid off for a boundary.

44.5: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, Back of a length and outside the off stump. Gudakesh Motie hits into the leg side, up and over Anderson's head at mid-wicket. He gives another chase and limits it to a couple of runs.

44.4: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, In the air...lands safe! Short and on the body from Atkinson, Gudakesh Motie miscues his pull high up in the air but sails over the inner ring and lands behind mid-wicket. Two taken.

44.4: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, NO BALL! EDGED AND FOUR! Just evades Brook at the third slip! Gus Atkinson delivers it from over the stumps, it nips away a bit from off, on a fuller length, Gudakesh Motie is drawn forward but gets a thickish leading edge that flies past Harry Brook at the mentioned position and guns down to deep third for a boundary.

44.3: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, At 134 kph, outside off and on a length, Gudakesh Motie slashes at it at the very last moment but fails to have a connection.

44.2: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, Too short and nipping away from the southpaw, outside off, Gudakesh Motie goes for a pull shot but doesn't connect.

44.1: Gus Atkinson to Jayden Seales, Atkinson spears in a fuller-length delivery on off, Jayden Seales drives it along the ground to the left of mid off and steals a quick single.

James Anderson will still be thinking about that dropped chance while going back to his fielding position. Was it the last over of his career, or will he get one more crack at it to end his farewell Test with a wicket? What will be the plan from Gus Atkinson? Will he deliberately bowl it away from the batter to reduce the chances of a dismissal, allowing Anderson another opportunity? Let's find out.

43.6: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Anderson hurls it at a gentle pace, around off and full in length, Gudakesh Motie covers his defence and drives it with full face of the bat, but straight to mid off.

43.5: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, FOUR! Shot! Too full and on off from Anderson, Gudakesh Motie with a slight prod ahead, drives it through the covers for a boundary.

43.4: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Full and attacking the off-pole, Gudakesh Motie gets forward and drives it to mid off.

43.3: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Good length on the off stump, Motie works it along the carpet to square leg.

43.2: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Full and just outside off, this is turned away on the leg side for a couple of runs.

43.1: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, OH JIMMY! That cherry was begging to be grabbed! Gudakesh Motie chips the fuller length delivery back to Anderson who spills it out of his left hand. A collective groan from the crowd. Anderson is down on his knees in disappointment.

Right then, here is Anderson at the top of his mark for potentially the last over of his international career with the crowd cheering him on. Seems to be a short ball ploy to Gudakesh Motie from around the wicket with deep square leg and deep backward square in place. Or is he going for the double bluff with two men in close around the mid-wicket region?

42.6: Gus Atkinson to Jayden Seales, Fired down the leg side on a hard length. Seales lets it go.

42.5: Gus Atkinson to Jayden Seales, Whoa! This one takes off further! Short and angling away after pitching on off, Jayden Seales decides to not have a go at it and shoulders arms.

42.4: Gus Atkinson to Jayden Seales, Hard length, on the middle, Jayden Seales stays tall and pats it underneath the bat.

42.3: Gus Atkinson to Jayden Seales, Good length on the leg stump, Seales rides on the bounce and blocks it.

Jayden Seales is the last man in for West Indies. With Atkinson picking the 9th wicket of the West Indian inning, it will not be a five-wicket haul for Anderson in his farewell Test, but the debutant has the opportunity to take another five-wicket haul in this inning. Stokes has a word with Atkinson at the top of his mark with James Anderson stationed at mid on.

42.2: Gus Atkinson to Shamar Joseph, OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! A good change in length from Gus Atkinson. 11th scalp for him in this Test. Atkinson steams in from over the stumps and cannons a vicious yorker, aiming at the off-pole, Shamar Joseph clears his front leg for room to access the off side and swings the bat hard, but meets only thin air. The ball though, powers into the off-stump and uproots the peg. Atkinson kept bowling back-of-a-length deliveries and Joseph would have thought that this might also be a half-tracker, but a cunning length variation from Atkinson this. Straight into the blockhole. No 5-fer for Anderson in his last dance, but a highly likely one for Atkinson in both innings. England is just a scalp away from a clinical win.

42.1: Gus Atkinson to Shamar Joseph, Swing and a miss! Short and on the top of the middle, Shamar Joseph clears his front leg and misses to connect the pull shot.

41.6: James Anderson to Shamar Joseph, Onto the pads on the length, Shamar Joseph tucks it off the back foot to square leg for an easy single.

41.5: James Anderson to Shamar Joseph, Good effort there by Bashir! Anderson bumps it into the surface, down the leg side. Shamar Joseph misses to connect the pull shot and the ball runs down to deep fine. Shoaib Bashir runs to his left and puts in a timely dive to flick the ball before the ropes. Replays role in and confirms that he has managed to keep it inside the ropes. Two byes. 100 comes up with this for West Indies.

41.5: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, TWO WIDES! Beats Jamie Smith as well. Angles down the leg side, it takes off from the surface and flies past the keeper to deep fine. They cross.

41.4: James Anderson to Shamar Joseph, Anderson bowls it full and angles on off, Shamar Joseph presents the full bat's face and eases it in front of Stokes at widish covers. Joseph sets off for a single, Stokes is quick to get to the ball and throws wayward at the bowler's end. A single taken.

41.3: James Anderson to Shamar Joseph, Nagging length, with a hint of a movement outside off, Shamar Joseph doesn't quite move his feet and tries to swing straight but misses.

41.2: James Anderson to Shamar Joseph, Angles it closer to the body on off, and on a hard length, Shamar Joseph gets on the back foot and punches it solidly to the off side.

41.1: James Anderson to Shamar Joseph, That feet wasn't going anywhere! Anderson continues to trouble the southpaw from around the wickets, on a length and just around off, Shamar Joseph is stuck in his crease and reaches out to it. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

40.6: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, There's that extra bounce! Around off, short in length, Gudakesh Motie brings his bat down and aborts to have a go at it. Jamie Smith collects the ball at his face level.

40.5: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, Atkinson holds his length, on the middle and leg, Gudakesh Motie hops on the back foot and pats it back to the bowler.

40.4: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, Hard on the back of a length, on the top of the middle, Motie covers his pegs, gets in line and nudges off the back foot to short mid-wicket.

40.3: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, Bangs it short and onto the bodyline, Motie could only duck that one and let it go.

40.2: Gus Atkinson to Shamar Joseph, He wasn't far away from his 11th. Hurls it on a fullish length, and around off, Shamar Joseph plants his front foot ahead and tries to whack it across but gets a leading edge that flies past the left of the fourth slip towards deep backward point. One taken.

England's bowling future from the other end, Gus Atkinson has picked up the 10th wicket on his Test debut. 7 in the first and 3 so far in this second inning. A Joseph goes and another Joseph takes the crease. Shamar Joseph is in at number 10.

40.1: Gus Atkinson to Alzarri Joseph, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! TEN wickets in the match for Gus Atkinson! The short-ball ploy to Joseph has done the trick for the debutant. 7 wickets in the first inning and 3 so far in the second inning for Atkinson. He becomes the first Englishman to take 10 wickets in his maiden Test at home since 1946. Coming to the delivery, this was banged into the deck again and it rose to trouble Alzarri Joseph a bit. Joseph hangs on the back foot and swivels to fetch the ball from off. Fails to get the distance behind it and it goes only as far as deep backward square leg. Ben Duckett is stationed there for this mode of dismissal. Duckett runs to his right and slides to take a safe catch. Atkinson holds the red cherry aloft and soaks in the applause from the crowd. A moment to cherish for the rest of the life for the man from Chelsea.

39.6: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Slanting in from around the wicket, full and on off, Gudakesh Motie shows the full face of the bat and defends it out back to the bowler.

39.5: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, FOUR! Lovely shot! Anderson goes slightly wide of the crease and pitches it full, angling in, on middle, Gudakesh Motie holds his shape and gets it in his arc. Commits to the shot completely as he lofts it over wide mid on for a boundary.

39.4: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Back of a length and on the stumps, Motie defends it straight back to Anderson off the back foot.

39.3: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Shorter in length outside the line of the off stump, at 132 kph, Motie rides the bounce and defends it to cover.

39.2: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, That probing length again! Bowls from around the wicket to the southpaw, hurls it full this time and right in the corridor of uncertainty, enticing the batter to have a poke at it. Around off, and nipping away a bit. Gudakesh Motie strides ahead and plays inside the line and the ball whispers his outside edge and carries to the keeper. A perfect Test wicket-taking length, missed just by a whisker.

39.1: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Anderson hustles from around the stumps, delivers an inswinger onto the pads on a length, Gudakesh Motie tucks it to square leg.

38.6: Gus Atkinson to Alzarri Joseph, And again! Atkinson persists with the bumper, around off, Alzarri Joseph clears his front leg and has a wild swing at it to drag the shot away on the leg side but connects with thin air.

Talk about that effort from James Anderson! A wicket in the previous over and doing all the hard yards in the field. He has surely set a benchmark for youngsters in regard with fitness and athleticism.

38.5: Gus Atkinson to Alzarri Joseph, Dishes out a bumper, at the batter, Alzarri Joseph tries to take it on and swings to hook it but misses as the ball sails over his bat.

38.4: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, James Anderson is giving it his all for the team with the ball and in the field too! Bangs it on a back of a length, slanting away, outside off, Gudakesh Motie frees his arms to slap it aerially on the off side. Gets it off the toe end of the bat and it dribbles towards the deep cover fence. James Anderson gives it a chase and puts in a dive and saves a run for his side as he flicks the ball in before it touches the ropes.

38.3: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, There comes the bumper again, aimed at the ribs but the ball does not rise as Atkinson intended it to. Gudakesh Motie gets into a tangle but gets out of the ball's way early and ducks.

38.2: Gus Atkinson to Gudakesh Motie, Atkinson goes full to Motie, in and around off, Gudakesh Motie gets a good stride in and defends it out confidently.

38.1: Gus Atkinson to Alzarri Joseph, That could have gone anywhere! Alzarri Joseph gets away with it! Atkinson bends his back and digs in a sharp bumper, on off, Alzarri Joseph expects the short ball but still gets rushed in the pull shot. The ball gets big on him and it comes off the splice of the bat. Luckily for Joseph, it lobs over the bowler and lands well wide of mid off. They cross.

Halt! Change of bat for Alzarri Joseph! He doesn't look very convinced with the new one he has got. Well, the question is, how many bats does Joseph with an A have? Jokes apart, maybe the bottom has taken a bad hit.

37.6: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Strays down leg, on a back of a length, Gudakesh Motie gets inside the line of the ball to play the flick but misses.

37.5: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Fuller in length, on off, Gudakesh Motie drives it without much timing to mid off.

37.4: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Attacks the stumps does Anderson, just nipping a bit away on off, Gudakesh Motie negotiates well and defends it to the off side.

37.3: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Play and a miss! Bowls it on a back of a length, outside off, Gudakesh Motie fiddles at the delivery away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

37.2: James Anderson to Gudakesh Motie, Going across the batter, well wide on off, Gudakesh Motie leaves it all alone.

Phew, speechless to describe that delivery from Jimmy Anderson. An absolute screamer from him! Number 704 for him to send Da Silva packing. Can Anderson finish off with a 5-fer in his final Test? Highly likely! Gudakesh Motie is the new man in at number 9.

37.1: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! An absolute seed by James Anderson on highly likely the last day of his last dance. Test scalp number 704 for the great man and his family in the stands is delighted. Anderson pitches it on a length and angles it in, on off, Joshua Da Silva plays for the ball angling into him and shapes up to work it across the line on the leg side by closing the bat's face early. The ball pitches and then nips away enough to catch the outside edge of the bat of Da Silva and Jamie Smith snaffles it with ease. 3rd wicket of the inning for Anderson. He rejoices and soaks in all the admiration from the crowd at Lord's.

36.6: Gus Atkinson to Alzarri Joseph, FOUR! Hit with real authority! Atkinson goes for the short ball again but ends up offering a bit of width for Joseph to cash in. Alzarri Joseph stands tall, leaves nothing in the tank and flat bats it back over the bowler's head for a boundary. Almost went the distance for a six.

36.5: Gus Atkinson to Joshua Da Silva, At 135 kph by Atkinson, banged into the surface, over middle, Joshua Da Silva drags the pull in front of square on the leg side for a single.

36.5: Gus Atkinson to Joshua Da Silva, NO BALL! On a short of a good length, on off, Joshua Da Silva stands tall and pushes it to mid off. Atkinson has overstepped.

36.4: Gus Atkinson to Joshua Da Silva, A big mix-up but no harm done! Atkinson hits the deck hard and bowls it on off, Joshua Da Silva punches it with a straight bat down the deck. Gus Atkinson fails to make the stop as the ball deflects off his shin and rolls in front of mid on. Da Silva sets off for the run but gets no response from Alzarri Joseph as the latter turns his back on the partner. Da Silva turns around and scampers towards the batting end and makes his ground before Ben Stokes can release the throw.

36.3: Gus Atkinson to Alzarri Joseph, Honing in at the stumps and on a good length, Alzarri Joseph swings too hard and loses his shape as he swipes across the line. Gets it off the inner half of the bat towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

36.2: Gus Atkinson to Alzarri Joseph, Atkinson responds by banging into the deck but the line is not great. It goes down leg, allowing Alzarri Joseph to make the leave.

36.1: Gus Atkinson to Alzarri Joseph, In the air....but Ben Stokes cannot get there in time! Atkinson serves it with a scrambled seam, on a length, on off, Alzarri Joseph holds his shape and has a hack at the delivery. Skies it towards deep mid-wicket. Ben Stokes from mid on, covers good ground but the ball still drops well away from him. Two runs taken.

35.6: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, Beats the bat on the last ball! Anderson goes full and lures the batter into the drive. Joshua Da Silva falls into the trap as he extends his hands and looks to drive the away-going delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

35.5: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, Pitches this one with an upright seam but Anderson bowls it a bit too wide for his liking, outside off Joshua Da Silva shoulders arms.

35.4: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, Much better! At 130 kph and drags the length back does Anderson, closer to the off-stump line, Joshua Da Silva hangs back and stabs it down with a straight bat.

35.3: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, Swings it away again from the right-hander but not close enough to force the batter to play. Joshua Da Silva makes an easy leave to a good-length delivery outside off.

35.2: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, Gets a hint of late away shape, on a length and on the pads, Joshua Da Silva tucks it off his pads but it goes straight to mid-wicket.

35.1: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, Starts from over the wicket and lands it on a good length, a bit wide in the channel on off, shaping away, Joshua Da Silva leaves the ball alone.

And, there he is! The Lord's roars up in admiration and cheers as James Anderson (10-5-11-2) is into the attack now.

34.6: Gus Atkinson to Alzarri Joseph, Atkinson steams in from over the wicket and bangs it in short straight away but the line is down leg. An easy leave for Alzarri Joseph as he ducks and lets the ball go through.

All in readiness for the action to begin at the Lord's for Day 3! Ian Bishop follows the tradition and rings the bell to get the play underway! Day 2 was sunny for most of the part, but the new dawn brought overcast skies above. James Anderson was seen walking down the steps with claps echoing in the Lord's Long Room, followed by the two sets of players who gave him the deserved guard of honor. Joshua Da Silva and Alzarri Joseph will resume their innings while Gus Atkinson will start the day by bowling the last delivery of his 8th over. And, here we go...

The West Indian batting on the other hand has given absolutely underwhelming returns and as Jayden Seales mentioned in the post-match presser after Day 2, it must be frustrating for them to look at the scorecard. And it was pretty much visible from the West Indian gallery at the Lord’s. Alick Athanaze did try to stabilize things, but he was fighting alone from one end and saw his partners fall at the other. However, Jason Holder tried to provide a hand, but the pair found themselves as two sailors battling a fierce hurricane in a fragile wooden boat. With 6 down on a paltry 79, and still trailing by 171 runs, most cricket pundits and fans will say that it’s just like the West Indies is fighting a long lost battle. Day 3 is usually considered a ‘moving day’ in Test cricket, but this one has moved far from the reach of the tourists. It is just how long they can stretch it out. Stick around as Day 3 will be underway pretty soon.

Day 2 showcased England's bowling masterclass, with the home team's attack running through the West Indies batting lineup. Gus Atkinson continued his merry way and picked up a 2-fer with Stokes matching equal tally so far. But the real story? The ageless wonder, Jimmy Anderson. At 41, when most cricketers are reminiscing about their glory days from the comfort of a commentary box, Lancashire's favorite son is still out there, making batter’s lives miserable in his final Test. Anderson's delivery to Kraigg Brathwaite was a masterpiece in motion. With his index finger pointed skyward, he unleashed a ball that nipped back wickedly, sneaking through Brathwaite's defenses. A vivid, swashbuckling demonstration of why he boasts 703 Test wickets.

The first Test of the English Summer and that too, at the Home of Cricket, the Lord’s Cricket Ground, the fans do anticipate a humdinger. But it doesn’t look like one here as the Englishmen have totally outclassed the men from the Caribbean in the first two days. And it is pretty much inevitable now that Ben Stokes and Co will win this because this West Indian inning is going absolutely nowhere. A realistic assessment paints a grim picture for the visitors, their chances of turning this match around are slimmer than a bat's edge. While the scoreboard may not reflect it, these young cricketers flaunting ‘Rally ‘round the West Indies’ are gaining invaluable experience that could shape the future of West Indian cricket.

... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...

Not a bad day in total for the West Indies but their batting mishap on Wednesday has left them clutching at straws. They bowled well on Day 2, keeping England to a lead of 250 through Jayden Seales' 4-fer, but a poor opening hour and a poor closing hour sees them within the doorstep of a crushing innings defeat. England would be aiming for a professional performance on Friday as well and give James Anderson a perfect sendoff in a fitting Day 3 finish. By the looks of it, the game should not go into the second hour even, given the lack of batting depth that West Indies have, but for the sake of the sport, let's hope we get some competitive cricket to watch. The first ball on DAY 3 will be bowled on Friday, 12th July, 2024 at 3.30 pm IST (1000 GMT), but do tune in early for all the build-up. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

This has been one of the most disciplined bowling performances from England in the past few months. Ben Stokes has a clear principle - not to stray away from the plans and not to give the opposition any freebies. Let the batters come at you and if they can't, just keep hitting the right lengths. He already has a bowling machine in James Anderson who is about to hang his boots while the captain himself led by example bowling 10-4-25-2 in one straight spell. Everyone was excellent except maybe Gus Atkinson a touch, who was not as disciplined as in the first innings.

Another frenetic session for West Indies with the bat. They started off very watchfully, trying to keep the overs faced and the runs scored in parity, with the run rate trundling along at almost run-an-over for the first hour. Crucially though, they were keeping wickets in hand, until Anderson burst through the defenses of Brathwaite. That opened the door for breakthroughs as apart for a brief resistance between Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder, there was barely any fight. Cannot say they played rash shots but unfortunately for them, they were no match for the skill of the bowlers in front of them. They tried to be disciplined but eventually were broken through.

Well, after all the deliberate delays from both sides, it is England who walk back grabbing all the honours of the day. Couldn't have been more poetic - first Stokes delays the start of the over, then the two batters ensure that this is the last over of the day before a perfect field change snaps a wicket right when the clock strikes 6.30 pm in London. The visitors are now 6 down and with a deficit of 171 runs, it is going to be an uphill battle to see off even a session on Friday, let alone avoid innings defeat. England get together and give a bit of an ovation to James Anderson and come Friday, it could be the last time we see the great man bowl.

34.5: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, OUT! CAUGHT! Gus Atkinson picks up his second wicket of the innings, this one though has been created out of nothing. The ploy of getting Ollie Pope at short leg has brought them a wicket here. Gus Atkinson dishes a short ball, around middle, which gets big on Holder, who is already a very tall lad. Jason Holder gets his blade very high and ends up chipping it in front of short leg. Ollie Pope there dives in front of him to take a stunner. West Indies are teetering at 79/6 at the end of DAY 2. THAT WILL BE STUMPS.

West Indies make their contributions. Joshua Da Silva walks down the pitch, calls his partner Jason Holder for a chat and both exchange smiles. This surely now will be the final over of the day.

34.4: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Another dot ball now, as Holder ends up defending this short ball from inside the crease here.

34.3: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Sharp bumper this time, around off. Holder ducks under this one.

34.2: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Gus Atkinson dishes a length ball, in the corridor of uncertainty here. Jason Holder looks to defend it out, but misses.

34.1: Gus Atkinson to Joshua Da Silva, And indeed it is a short ball, on the body, Joshua Da Silva takes it on and pulls it to deep square leg for a single. He moves to 20 now. He also racks up 1000 runs in Test cricket with this single.

Stokes taking plenty of time to set the field. 4 minutes left on the clock. Seems like this will be the last over of the day. The field is set for short-pitched bowling.

33.6: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, Touch fuller, outside off. Joshua Da Silva taps it to covers and crosses for a single.

33.5: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, Back of a length this time, outside off, shaping away a bit. Joshua Da Silva looks to hook it away but gets beaten by some extra bounce here.

33.4: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, Another dot ball now. A slower one this time, full and on off. Joshua Da Silva gets on his front foot and sees it out.

33.3: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, Chris Woakes serves a length ball, in the channel. Joshua Da Silva gets it to mid on off the inner half.

33.2: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, Length, around off. blocked out to point by Joshua Da Silva.

33.1: Chris Woakes to Jason Holder, Full ball, around off. Holder drives it to the left of mid off and hares to the other end. Ben Stokes is quick in the field. He rushes to his left, picks up the ball, rotates and throws the ball at the non-striker's end but the ball flies on top of the stumps. Jason Holder survives here. Direct hit and he was surely a goner here.

32.6: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Back of a length, on the pads. Holder tucks it behind square on the leg side for one.

32.5: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, A bit fuller this time, outside off. Holder drives it into the off side but only to find the fielder at extra covers.

32.4: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Gus Atkinson once again bends his back hard and serves a bouncer, around off. Holder leaves it alone.

32.3: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, An inswinging delivery, full and on middle. Holder drills it down the park. Gus Atkinson gets low quickly and stop the ball with one hand in his follow through.

32.2: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, A sharp bouncer here from Gus Atkinson. Holder ducks under it.

32.1: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, FOUR! A very good-looking shot this one. It is a fuller delivery, on off. Jason Holder strides forward and times it to perfection as the ball goes through the gap at covers for a boundary.

Double change. Gus Atkinson gets one more chance to add to his tally for the day. 13 minutes left on the clock. Maybe, we might have 3 more overs bowled. 6-1-21-1 so far.

31.6: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, A maiden over for Woakes on his return into the attack. A length ball, around off. Joshua Da Silva nudges it into the leg side.

31.5: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, This one just gets that extra bounce off the surface this time. A length ball, outside off which catches the shoulder of Joshua Da Silva's blade and rolls towards point.

31.4: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, Full and straight around off. Joshua Da Silva gets behind and blocks it well.

31.3: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, Woakes starts his second spell with three dots here. Fuller one, on the pads. Joshua Da Silva flicks it into mid-wicket for no run.

31.2: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, A bit shorter this time, on middle. Joshua Da Silva hangs back and clips it to mid-wicket for no run.

31.1: Chris Woakes to Joshua Da Silva, Chris Woakes goes wide of the crease here and angled in a length ball, around off and gets it to shape away. Joshua Da Silva blocks it out solidly.

Finally. A break for Stokes after a 10-over spell. Chris Woakes is back on, for a final burst for the day. Just 17 minutes left for the close. 5-2-9-0 so far. 9 overs left, meaning, we are bound to have 4 or 5 overs lost.

30.6: James Anderson to Jason Holder, James Anderson ends his tenth over with five dots on the trot. It is a good-length ball, on off. Jason Holder stays back and defends it to point.

30.5: James Anderson to Jason Holder, Back of a length, outside off, nipping away a bit. Holder gets it towards gully off the outside edge.

30.4: James Anderson to Jason Holder, Goes full this time, outside off. Holder steps forward and drives it to mid off but fails to hit it through the gap.

30.3: James Anderson to Jason Holder, Length ball around off. Holder blocks it back to the bowler here.

30.2: James Anderson to Jason Holder, It is pitched up, full and on off. Jason Holder drives it down the park, with full face of the bat. James Anderson though stretches his right leg and stops the ball with his feet here.

30.1: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, James Anderson goes full, angled into the pads here. Joshua Da Silva flicks it through mid-wicket for a single here.

It was indeed a nice setup from Anderson to get rid of Alick Athanaze. In the first innings, Athanaze played at a delivery which was 5th or 6th stump outside off and nicked one to the slip cordon. This one was not as wide but was somewhere around that channel again and he nicked off again.

29.6: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Outside off, eased behind point for a couple.

29.5: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Outside off, pushed towards the off side.

29.4: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Down the leg side, Holder misses his tuck. The ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. Two runs taken, leg byes signalled.

29.4: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, FOUR! SWEET! Aesthetically pleasing from Jason Holder. Double bluff from Stokes. He pushed square leg back just before this ball, probably trying to indicate that he is going to bowl short. But instead, he bowls it full. However, Holder is well set now and reads the length perfectly. Comes forward, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it through the covers. NO BALL SIGNALLED AS WELL. The stand moves to 11 from 6 balls. Holder moves to 12 from 40 balls.

29.3: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Full and straight, Holder pushes at this with his bat and pad close together and gets it off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.

29.2: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Similar delivery, pushed towards the off side again, this time much squarer.

29.1: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, On a good length, outside off, Jason Holder defends it towards cover.

28.6: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, FOUR! SUBLIME! This time he finds the gap. Full and outside off, swinging in, da Silva comes forward and drives it straight back past the bowler and this time, the man from extra cover cannot cover the distance to his right. The deficit is now 189.

28.5: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, Inswinger, outside off, fuller in length, da Silva drives it down the ground. Sets off for a single but then changes his mind, seeing cover get to the ball quickly.

28.4: James Anderson to Jason Holder, Full and outside off, Holder drives it through the covers for a run.

28.3: James Anderson to Joshua Da Silva, Up and running first ball. Full and outside off, Joshua Da Silva leans into the shot and drives it to the left of cover for a single to get off the mark and pair.

Joshua Da Silva walks in at number 7, replacing Alick Athanaze. He too, is on a pair.

28.2: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, OUT! Edged and taken! Wicket number 703 for Jimmy in first-class cricket. The setup works eventually. He was trying to work up Athanaze, trying to get the ball away from the left hander and get the outside edge. He bowled dot ball after dot ball after dot ball and glorified the phrase - patience is virtue. After quite a few balls in line of the stumps, James Anderson just keeps it outside off, on a fuller length and invites Alick Athanaze to have a go at it. Athanaze falls into the trap, looking to drive but only manages a thick outside edge. It goes quick and low to the left of the keeper, Jamie Smith, who gets low to his left and takes it with both gloves. Athanaze departs for 22 from 47 balls, WEST INDIES ARE 55/5 and are still 195 behind.

28.1: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Outside off, on a length from around the wicket, Alick Athanaze comes forward and pushes it through gully where the fielder dives to his right and stops the ball.

27.6: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, This one comes back in from outside off, JH dabs it towards third slip.

27.5: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Landed outside off, left alone.

27.4: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, There is that edge. But it is safe. Fuller, outside off, swinging away, Jason leans to defend but gets a thick outside edge. Luckily for him, the ball goes behind the slips. Two runs taken by Holder, via 8 strides.

27.3: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Gets a good stride in, covers the off stump slightly and lets this outswinger outside off make contact with Jamie Smith's gloves.

27.2: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, On a good length, outside off, coming in with the angle, Holder walks into the shot and blocks.

27.1: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Full and around off, from over the wicket, Jason Holder defends. This is STOKES' 9TH OVER on the trot. He just does not want to give up the ball in this mood.

26.6: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Misfired down the leg side, AA cannot connect with his flick while Jamie Smith is getting an extension of his warm-up drills. For the last half an hour, Stokes and Anderson are making the poor keeper dive left and right consistently. This is stopped with his right glove.

26.5: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Full and outside off, coming in with the angle, Alick defends it down the pitch.

26.4: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, The same angle, the same ball, the same shot, this time an inside edge is eked out onto the thighs.

26.3: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Similar angle, this is punched back down the ground, stopped by the bowler.

26.2: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, This one comes back in, Athanaze looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

26.1: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Full and outside off, Alick Athanaze comes forward to defend but the ball pitches and then shapes away, taking the leading edge to point.

25.6: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Misdirected down the leg side, off a fuller length, Jason Holder misses his tuck. Nice keeping by Jamie Smith again, diving to his left.

25.5: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, The sucker ball, full and wide outside off, swinging away, JH lunges and then shoulders arms.

25.4: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Action replay of the previous delivery.

25.3: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Landed outside off, wide enough to pass by.

25.2: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Full and just outside off, Jason pushes it towards cover.

25.1: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Close, close call! This one lands outside off and jags back in a long way. Holder is caught in his crease as he looks to defend and is hit on the pads. Stokes lets out a massive appeal for LBW but Tucker calmly shakes his head. Stokes does not waste even a second in thinking about the review as he indicates that it would go down the leg side, due to the wide angle from which he was bowling. And Ball Tracker confirms the same.

25.1: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Outside off, on a length, Jason Holder lets it pass. After a bit of a delay, umpire Rod Tucker signals it as a NO BALL for overstepping.

A long chat between Stokes and Anderson. Are England trying to slow the game down? After a quick start to the session, there seems to be a bit more leisure in the last few minutes. Around 45 minutes left on the clock with the extended time and there are still 15 overs left. More delay. Stokes comes running in but while he is about to bowl, a fly attacks him in his right eye and he aborts the mission.

24.6: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Around middle, on a length, AA tucks it towards mid-wicket.

24.5: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Outside off, on a length, this one straightens after pitching, Alick pushes it towards point.

24.4: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Outside off, nips back in a long way from a length, Athanaze looks to flick but misses and is hit high on the thighs.

24.3: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Comes around the wicket and tries to swing the ball away from the leg stump line, but overdoes his length and bowls it too full. Not enough time for the ball to swing and it goes straight down with the angle, down the leg side, as Alick Athanaze misses his flick. Another instance of good keeping as Jamie Smith dives to his right to glove it.

24.2: James Anderson to Jason Holder, Full and outside off, Holder leans into this one and drives the ball through the covers for a single.

24.1: James Anderson to Jason Holder, On a length, outside off, Jason Holder stays back and dabs it towards gully.

23.6: Ben Stokes to Alick Athanaze, Around off, lifts off a length, Alick Athanaze is surprised but fends it nicely towards gully.

23.5: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Around off, coming in, Jason Holder tucks it through square leg for a single. The deficit is now 199.

23.4: Ben Stokes to Alick Athanaze, That's a sumptuous drive. But the 41-year-old champion is still quick enough to cut the ball off. Stuart Broad on air chides, 'He might miss bowling after this Test match, but he won't miss chasing the ball to the boundary.' Overpitched, outside off, AA leans and drives it to the right of cover. James Anderson tracks it down from that position and gets to the ball before it reaches the ropes. Three runs taken. Athanaze moves to 22 from 34 balls. 50 UP FOR WEST INDIES. A hard grind it has been.

23.3: Ben Stokes to Alick Athanaze, Back to business. On a good length, around middle, angling away, Alick pushes it towards point.

23.2: Ben Stokes to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! A rare loose ball. Overpitched, on the pads, Athanaze clips it to the left of mid on and gets his fourth boundary. The stand moves to 10 from 29 balls.

23.1: Ben Stokes to Alick Athanaze, Full and around middle, Alick Athanaze pushes it towards point.

22.6: James Anderson to Jason Holder, There's that movement. On a length, outside off, Jason Holder thinks it is there to cut but the ball suddenly jags back in and Holder is caught with nowhere to go. He cannot even complete his shot as the ball hits the bat hard and drops beside Anderson in his followthrough, to his left.

22.5: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, This one comes in but not that usual swing from Jimmy. Alick Athanaze tucks it towards deep square leg for one.

22.4: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Full and around middle, AA defends it back down the pitch. Seems like Anderson is setting up Athanaze. Pitching the ball outside leg and then getting it to move away. Watch out for the big booming inswinger any time soon.

22.3: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, Fuller this time, around middle and leg, Alick works it towards mid-wicket.

22.2: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, This one rears off a length, around leg stump, Athanaze is surprised by the extra bounce but manages to fend it to the leg side.

22.1: James Anderson to Alick Athanaze, On a good length, around middle, Alick Athanaze defends it down the pitch.

It is just so refreshing to se Ben Stokes walk freely, without ANY limp. We almost spent an age watching Stokes grimace after every shot, taking every run, grinning while running into bowl and spent a long time without bowling. Just painful to watch it was. Thankfully, the current Stokes looks fully fit and there is no sign of any grimace whatsoever. Stokes the bowler just changes the dynamics of this English side. Meanwhile, James Anderson returns. 5-4-2-1 so far.

21.6: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Back of a length, outside off, Holder pushes it towards cover. 4th maiden in 6 overs for the skipper.

21.5: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Outswinger, on a full length, around off, Jason Holder gets forward and defends it towards point.

21.4: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, On a good length, around off, this one moves away, but once again, JH is watchful and keeps it out.

21.3: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Full and straight, a little bit of tail in, Jason adjusts nicely and pushes it towards mid on.

21.2: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Outside off, fuller again, Holder lets it go.

21.1: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Full and outside off, Jason Holder drives it towards cover.

Will Stokes bowl another one? He has already bowled 5 overs in this spell, for 7 runs and 2 scalps. There is some delay, not sure what is the reason. Stokes to continue.

20.6: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Banged in short, outside off, Jason Holder pulls it towards deep fine leg for one.

20.5: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Slower ball, on a length, outside off, coming in with the angle, JH defends. Actually no. It was NOT a slower ball. The speed gun reads 137 kph.

20.4: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Pitched outside leg, on a length, Alick Athanaze tucks it through square leg to rotate the strike with a run. The deficit is now 209.

20.3: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, This is a bit too straight, on middle and leg on a length, Jason flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

20.2: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, This is outside off, no movement this time from a good length, just goes straight on, Holder lets it pass.

20.1: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Comes wider of the crease, does Gus Atkinson, lands it on a good length outside off and gets it to nip back in a long way. Jason Holder is caught in his crease as he looks to defend and misses the ball, getting hit on the thigh pads.

19.6: Ben Stokes to Alick Athanaze, Good length, angling across, around off. Alick Athanaze gets it to point off the outer half.

Change of bats for Athanaze.

19.5: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Back of a length, around middle. Holder gets it to the left of mid on and crosses for a single.

19.4: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, A length ball, around off. Holder gets on his front foot and defends it out solidly into covers.

19.3: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Three dots in a row now. A length ball which is much closer to the batter this time, but not close enough for Holder to attack it.

19.2: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Good length, wide of off, shaping further away. Holder watches it sail past him.

19.1: Ben Stokes to Jason Holder, Ben Stokes starts this over with a full ball, outside off. Holder looks to hit it through the line but gets it to backward point off the outer half here.

18.6: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Short ball, on top of off. Alick Athanaze gets behind the line to defend it out watchfully. A successful over from Gus Atkinson comes to an end.

18.5: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Much fuller this time, outside off. Holder gets it to square leg off the inside edge. One taken. He gets off the mark here. West Indies trail by 212 now.

18.4: Gus Atkinson to Jason Holder, Back of a length, nipping back in from outside off. Jason Holder gets inside the line and blocks it out.

Jason Holder is the new man in at number 6, replacing Kavem Hodge. West Indies in dire straights and dearly need some calm shoulders. However, Mr. Holder is on a KING PAIR. He got a golden duck against Atkinson in the previous innings. He returned the favour with the ball though, getting Atkinson out first ball.

18.3: Gus Atkinson to Kavem Hodge, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Kavem Hodge got off the mark with a boundary, unfortunately the only highlight of his innings. Gus Atkinson dishes a good-length delivery, outside off, nips in a bit. Kavem Hodge hangs back and looks to cut it away, although the ball catches the inside edge this time and crashes into the stumps. The hero of the first innings, adds another wicket to his Test match tally.

18.2: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, A length ball, on the pads. Alick Athanaze flicks it to the left of deep square leg. The fielder in the deep comes across and keeps it down to one.

18.1: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Pitched up this time, on the fourth stump line. Alick Athanaze drives it into covers but to find the fielder.

17.6: Ben Stokes to Kavem Hodge, Good length, wide of off, staying low a bit. Hodge leaves it alone for the keeper. Another wicket-taking over from the English skipper comes to an end.

17.5: Ben Stokes to Kavem Hodge, Much fuller, outside off. Hodge blocks it out into covers.

17.4: Ben Stokes to Kavem Hodge, FOUR! A loosener here and Hodge gets off the mark with a boundary here. It is a good-length ball, around leg stump. Hodge lifts his front leg and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.

17.3: Ben Stokes to Kavem Hodge, It is a length ball, tailing into the right-hander. Hodge goes back and blocks it out.

Kavem Hodge does walk out now, at number 5, replacing Mikyle Louis.

17.2: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mikyle Louis gets dragged into playing this shot and he has given away his crucial wicket. A small break in play, and England do manage to cash in on the opportunity here. Ben Stokes dishes a length ball, outside off. The ball shapes away a touch. Mikyle Louis ends up hanging his bat away from his body, really for the first time in this innings. The ball gets nicked and Jamie Smith makes no mistaken behind the sticks. England have their third wicket here.

There is a problem with the ball here. The ball is struggling to go through the 8-ball gauge. As the umpires go through a suitcase full of balls, they have decided to take a DRINKS BREAK here. West Indies might just be feeling a little release of that pressure from that previous over. The batters have been disciplined but they are facing some seriously superb bowling on offer. This is just Day 2, so no point in thinking about the runs as of now. 22.5 overs are left in the day and if the visitors can manage to see off the day with 3 wickets down at the most, they will feel really nice going into Friday.

17.1: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, It is a full ball, angled into the pads. Mikyle Louis flicks it along the ground through mid-wicket. The batters take two runs before Shoaib Bashir cuts it out.

16.6: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, A really good over for West Indies for the first time in this innings. Gus Atkinson delivers a length ball, around off. Alick Athanaze gets squared up a bit and gets it to point off the outside edge.

16.5: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, A bit shortish, around off. Alick Athanaze blocks it out watchfully.

16.4: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! Atkinson comes around the wicket and concedes another boundary this time. It is a short ball, around the hips. Alick Athanaze hangs back and flicks it down to fine leg for four more runs.

16.3: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Length, around off. Alick Athanaze defends it into covers this time.

16.2: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for West Indies here and it might surely release some pressure here. Back of a length, angling across once again. Alick Athanaze stays back and steers it down to deep third for four more.

16.1: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! Nicely played. It is a short ball, outside off, shaping away as well. Alick Athanaze opens the face of the bat and guides it behind square on the off side for a fine boundary.

15.6: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Three back-to-back maidens for England. Ben Stokes dishes a short ball, outside off. Mikyle Louis stays back and brings out an orthodox defensive shot.

15.5: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, On a good length, on top of off. Louis gets behind the line and blocks it out.

15.4: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Ben Stokes serves a short ball this time, on off. Mikyle Louis thinks about freeing his arms, and swings hard across the line to mistime his pull to mid on.

15.3: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Shortish, in the corridor of uncertainty. Louis shuffles and defends it into covers.

15.2: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Much straighter and fuller, on the pads. Louis nudges it into mid-wicket for no run.

15.1: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Good length delivery, but down the leg side.

14.6: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Shorter one, in the channel. Alick Athanaze dabs it to point. Gus Atkinson with a maiden over this time around.

14.5: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, A short ball this time by Gus Atkinson. Alick Athanaze ducks under this one solidly.

14.4: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, A length ball, around off, blocked out solidly.

14.3: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Back of a length, around off, angled across once again. Alick Athanaze is getting impatient here as he tries to flick it from outside off but misses it completely.

14.2: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, A bit shorter this time, leaving the left-hander from around the off stump. Alick Athanaze watches it sail past him.

14.1: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Full ball, in the channel. Alick Athanaze drives it to mid on but only to find the fielder there.

13.6: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, A maiden over for Stokes. West Indies are unable to get runs on the board here. It is a length ball, around middle. Louis blocks it out watchfully.

13.5: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Too straight and full, around leg. Louis works it to mid on off the inner half.

13.4: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Peach of a delivery this time. Ben Stokes goes wide of the crease this time and serves a length ball, outside off. The ball nips away just a bit to flirt with the outside edge here.

13.3: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Full, and angled into the pads. Louis clips it into mid-wicket.

13.2: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Pitched up this time, outside off. Louis pushes it towards point, but it is a bump ball, as the crowd does not realise it and starts celebrating.

13.1: Ben Stokes to Mikyle Louis, Ben Stokes angles in a full ball, around the off stump. Mikyle Louis leans forward and blocks it out solidly.

12.6: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Just a single come from this over. Gus Atkinson nails the yorker this time, around off. Alick Athanaze jams it into the deck. England are dictating terms here.

12.5: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Short ball, on top off. Alick Athanaze gets inside the line and tucks it to square leg.

12.4: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Atkinson goes full, around middle and leg. Alick Athanaze closes the face and flicks it to the left of mid on, who makes a sharp stop here.

12.3: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, A bit fuller this time, on the same line, going away from the left-hander. This one stays a bit low after hitting the deck. Alick Athanaze lets it through.

12.2: Gus Atkinson to Alick Athanaze, Good length this time, angling across, wide of off. Alick Athanaze leaves it alone for the keeper.

12.1: Gus Atkinson to Mikyle Louis, Atkinson goes short, angled in as well. Louis dabs it into covers and crosses.

11.6: Ben Stokes to Alick Athanaze, A bit shorter this time, around off. Alick Athanaze shuffles and pushes it away.

11.5: Ben Stokes to Alick Athanaze, On a length, around off. Alick Athanaze blocks it out watchfully.

11.4: Ben Stokes to Alick Athanaze, Ben Stokes greets the new batter with a short ball, in the channel. Alick Athanaze looks to feel for it but misses.

Alick Athanaze is the new man in.

11.3: Ben Stokes to Kirk Mckenzie, OUT! LBW! The finger goes up as Ben Stokes puts in an appeal for LBW. Kirk Mckenzie though has a quick chat with his partner and takes it upstairs. Ben Stokes dishes a length ball, around middle and leg. The ball straightens a bit and goes on to hit Kirk Mckenzie on his back foot. The UltraEdge confirms that no bat is involved. The Ball Tracking confirms three reds and the on-field decision stands. Ben Stokes picks up his 200th wicket in Test cricket. He becomes just the third cricketer to score 6000 runs and have 200 wickets in the red-ball format. Sir Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis are the other two who hold this record.

11.2: Ben Stokes to Kirk Mckenzie, On a length, angling across, around off. Kirk Mckenzie works it to covers off the outer half.

11.1: Ben Stokes to Kirk Mckenzie, Ben Stokes starts with a length ball, around middle and leg. Kirk Mckenzie blocks it into the leg side from inside the crease.

Change from the other end as well as Ben Stokes brings himself into the attack now.

10.6: Gus Atkinson to Mikyle Louis, FOUR! Well played. It is a short ball, on the bodyline here. Mikyle Louis brings his blade across right in time, he does not time it well but still finds the fence.

Ben Stokes is back on the field now, as Ollie Pope heads back in the dressing room.

10.5: Gus Atkinson to Mikyle Louis, It is a length ball, in the channel. Mikyle Louis leaves it alone.

10.4: Gus Atkinson to Mikyle Louis, Gus Atkinson fires it full, around off. This one is angled into the right-hander. Mikyle Louis looks to defend it out on his front foot, but takes a blow on his pads. Gus Atkinson appeals but the umpire is unmoved here. As Ben Stokes is out of the ground at the moment, Ollie Pope is the stand-in skipper and he decides to take it upstairs. The Ball Tracking though confirms that the ball is missing the wickets, as it is going down leg.

10.3: Gus Atkinson to Mikyle Louis, Much straighter this time, on a length, on top of off. Louis prods and defends it out watchfully.

10.2: Gus Atkinson to Mikyle Louis, On a good-length slanting into the right-hander. Mikyle Louis hangs back and flicks it into the leg side for no run.

10.1: Gus Atkinson to Mikyle Louis, Gus Atkinson starts with a beamer here. It is outside off, nipping back in sharply. Mikyle Louis sways away from the line of the delivery here. 

Time for a change. The hero of the first innings, Gus Atkinson, to have his first go in the second innings. How many can he add to his 7 in the match?

9.6: Chris Woakes to Kirk Mckenzie, On a length, outside off, Kirk Mckenzie shoulders arms.

9.5: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Curves this into the right hander, but gets it too straight. Mikyle Louis misses his flick and is hit on the pads. The ball deflects away behind square leg and a leg bye is taken.

The sun is out in full force now.

9.4: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Perfect line, just short of full, around the off stump, ML gets another clinical stride to defend the ball towards point.

9.3: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Full and around off, Mikyle gets a good compact front foot defense.

9.2: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Full and outside off, hint of away swing, Louis pushes it towards point.

9.1: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Good bowling from Woakes, landing it on a length, little bit of away movement, extra bounce as well, going past the push of Mikyle Louis.

8.6: James Anderson to Kirk Mckenzie, On a good length, around middle and leg, McKenzie pushes it to the off side. A wicket maiden for Anderson whose figures read 5-4-2-1!

8.5: James Anderson to Kirk Mckenzie, Full and around off, pushed towards mid off.

8.4: James Anderson to Kirk Mckenzie, On a good length, pushed back to the bowler.

8.3: James Anderson to Kirk Mckenzie, Outside off, this time he covers the line for the inswing and defends.

8.2: James Anderson to Kirk Mckenzie, Full and outside off, coming in, left alone on length.

Kirk Mckenzie walks in at number 3, replacing his skipper, Kraigg Brathwaite.

8.1: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, OUT! BOWLED! That's gone through his defense and it is wicket number 702 in first-class cricket for the Lord of Lord's. The bowling was exceptionally relentless while the batting was matching it well, not playing too many loose shots. But good bowlers always find a way to get past the batters and Jimmy has found one again. On a good length, outside off, Kraigg Brathwaite looks to play that from the crease, not because of the length, but because he is not sure which way will the ball move. He is tentative, is late and the ball nips back, beats the inside edge and hits the top of middle. In 2017, Brathwaite was the 500th victim of Jimmy in Test cricket and he was dismissed in exactly the same fashion, albeit that was much fuller. This is the 8th time in Tests that he has got the West Indian skipper out. After a watchful opening 30 minutes, West Indies don't have much to show, as they have weathered the storm, but are just 12/1, trailing by 238!

7.6: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Full and just outside off to finish the over, a very solid defense from ML gives it the perfect respect as the ball rolls towards point.

7.5: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Outside off, on a length, let through.

7.4: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, The length is adjudged by Woakes and is back to full, Mikyle is watchful in his defense.

7.3: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, FOUR! PRISTINE! This guy can bat. It is not always about blocking and Louis understands that. If he feels it is there in his area, he will play his shot. Full again, outside off, maybe fractionally overpitched, Louis gets a good stride, meets the ball nicely and times it gloriously to the right of extra cover. The deficit is now 238.

7.2: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Fuller and just outside off, Louis is absolutely solid and composed in his front foot defense. High front-end elbow and watching the ball right under his eyes.

7.1: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, On a good length in line of the stumps, good sustained pressure, Mikyle Louis is solid in defense.

6.6: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, Around off and outside, KB is squared up but manages to push the away-moving ball away to point. That's 3 maidens in 4 overs for the old horse.

6.5: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, The tempter, outside off, fuller in length, Kraigg is in no mood to get out of his house for a long drive. Lets it go.

6.4: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, On a good length, outside off, nipping away off the seam, dabbed to the off side.

6.3: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, Fuller, outside off, Kraigg plays inside the line and misses. Perhaps expected the inswinger, this was the non-swinger. Just went straight.

6.2: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, Outside off, left alone.

6.1: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, On a length outside off, nips back in a long way, Kraigg Brathwaite looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.

5.6: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Brilliant delivery to end the over. On a good length, outside off, Louis is forced to play at it but the late movement gets the ball to move past the outside edge.

5.5: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Comes forward and pushes this back to the bowler.

5.4: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, On a good length, outside off, well kept out.

5.3: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Down the leg side, Kraigg looks to tuck it away but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards square leg and a single is taken. The camera pans onto Rod Tucker who signals it a leg bye.

5.2: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Around middle and off, on a good length, Brathwaite defends.

5.1: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Lovely. This is some fruit salad being served by Anderson and Woakes. Comes in from over the wicket does Woakes, gets the ball to angle into the righthander and then gets the ball to curve away in the air, like a papaya. Kraigg Brathwaite defends it watchfully.

4.6: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, On a length, outside off, Mikyle Louis shoulders arms. That came back in some way but not enough to hit the stumps.

4.5: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, Nice shot. Full, outside off, ML leans into the shot and gets the cover drive in the gap. The timing is not the best through and it is stopped. Two runs taken.

4.4: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, This time he gets his feet in time to meet the ball and drives it towards point.

4.3: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, Makes him play the fuller one this time, Louis gets a good stride to meet that, but he gets late for the meeting and is timed out. The ball just beats the outside edge.

4.2: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, Holds the length back a touch, gets it to come back in, Mikyle Louis lets it go.

4.1: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, Full and outside off, the ball moves, the bat moves for the drive but the feet don't move. Luckily for Louis, the edge is not taken. Goes through to the keeper.

3.6: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Outside off, a touch wider than the previous ones, an easier leave for the skipper.

3.5: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Similar ball, similar action but one feels that probably KB withdrew his bat in time on this occasion.

3.4: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Good response by Woakes. Shortens the length a touch and gets it to seam away, Kraigg plays inside the line and misses.

3.3: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, FOUR! MARVELLOUS! An opportunity to score and Kraigg Brathwaite does not miss out. Outswinger, outside off, fuller in length, Brathwaite comes forward, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it superbly through the vacant mid off region.

3.2: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Fuller and wider outside off, nice away shape, Brathwaite pushes it towards point.

3.1: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, On a length, outside off, pushed towards cover.

It is interesting to see the shoes of James Anderson as the camera pans on the sticker bound to the laces. The sticker on the left boot reads 22nd May, 2003, which was the date of his first Test, against Zimbabwe. The sticker on the right boot reads 10th July, 2024, which is his last Test, against West Indies. It is always hard work playing this sport but perhaps extra hard work being a fast bowler. We always talk about what happened on the field but rarely do we talk about the effort gone behind the scenee. Additionally, you need some luck as a fast bowler as well, especially in terms of injuries. Anderson has had his fair share as well, when he had to remodel his action due to a stress fracture before going back to his old action. Even at the age of 40, he has not lost his zeal and can perhaps play on for a few more years.

2.6: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, Landed outside off, Mikyle Louis lunges and shoulders arms.

Stokes is not happy with the ball. He takes it up to the umpire for a look but nothing doing, he is told.

2.5: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, Very straight. Very, very straight. ML is not sure which way will the banana go and looks to defend at the last moment. Gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

2.4: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, Landed outside off, watchfully defended.

2.3: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, Down the leg side, Mikyle cannot get it away with a flick and the ball deflects off his pads towards square leg.

2.2: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, Fuller, outside off, Louis shoulders arms with a good stretch of his front leg.

2.1: James Anderson to Mikyle Louis, On a good length around off, coming in, Mikyle Louis defends it to the leg side.

1.6: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Woakes ends the over with a bouncer, around off, the skipper defends.

1.5: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Much better from Woakes. Gets it fuller and straighter. The channel is just outside off which means, Kraigg Brathwaite has to play at it. Does so with an open bat-face towards gully.

1.4: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Action replay of the previous delivery.

1.3: Chris Woakes to Kraigg Brathwaite, Landed outside off, pretty wide to be played at.

1.2: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, First run for West Indies in their second dig. Outside off, Mikyle Louis comes forward, pushes the ball to the off side with soft hands and gets a single between cover and mid off.

1.1: Chris Woakes to Mikyle Louis, Full and outside off, gentle outswing, left alone.

Will it be Gus Atkinson from the other end? Or Chris Woakes? The latter. 1/29 in 11 overs in the first innings.

0.6: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, Outside off, pushed to the off side. Not a menacing over by Anderson but he did get the ball to talk.

0.5: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, This one is down the leg side, KB misses his flick. Good collection by Jamie Smith, diving to his left.

0.4: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, Around off, puts bat on ball this time, defending it solidly.

0.3: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, Outside off, on a length, KB pushes but misses.

0.2: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, Full and outside off, swinging away, Brathwaite reaches out to drive but finds extra cover.

0.1: James Anderson to Kraigg Brathwaite, That is some nut to start. The heavens conspire to get overcast as soon as England get the ball in their hand. It is on a length outside off, Kraigg Brathwaite pushes at it tentatively and is beaten by the away movement.