Gus Atkinson overshadows England pace legend James Anderson in his farewell Test with emphatic seven-wicket haul

The summer of cricket arrived as England (ENG) took on West Indies (WI) in the first Test of the series at the iconic Lord's Ground. Notably, this match holds a special for the fans and cricket experts alike, as James Anderson, the greatest seamer to have played for the English side, bows out from international cricket.

Fascinatingly enough, West Indies had all the plans and worked to avoid the wrath of the evergreen swing master, debutant and Surrey bowler Gus Atkinson overshadowed him to come out of syllabus for the visitors. Notably, under overcast conditions, skipper Ben Stokes showed no second thoughts and decided to have a go with the ball. the decision initially took some time to bear fruit, it only ended up having West Indies side getting folded cheaply for just 121 runs on the board.

Atkinson started the proceedings by scalping two wickets within a span of 14 balls in the morning session. But it was a bowlers' delight in the afternoon session of the Test where the fiery pacer steamrolled the whole side almost single-handedly. Notably, the Surrey-based pacer made his international debut for England in the limited overs formats last year, made a dream start to his Test career by claiming a sensational 7-wicket haul.

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The impact of his bowling can be fathomed by the fact that at one stage, West Indies were recovering steadily with 88/3 on the board, but the bowling brilliance by using cross seam triggered a collapse. As a result, Gus Atkinson became the second-best bowler only after Dominic Cork, in terms of best bowling figures (7/45) while on debut for England.

James Anderson managed to take a sole wicket in first innings

In his farewell Test, James Anderson took the Lord's field with the hope of producing yet another thrilling bowling spell with the red cherry in what was his 188th Test appearance for England. However, despite bowling a touch short and some good line and length every now and then, the legendary seamer failed to take a wicket until the lunch hour.

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After Chris Woakes and skipper, Ben Stokes, chipped in with a wicket apiece, James Anderson's moment finally arrived when he trapped Jayden Seales LBW (Leg Before Wicket) to provide the finishing touch amid a jubilant Lord's crowd who cheered their champion bowler until the last ball of the West Indies' first innings. Besides, Stokes proved his fitness after coming back from knee surgery by bowling eight overs in tandem. Now only time will tell if England will need to bowl again and see James Anderson bow out with a fairytale bowling spell.