England vs Windies 3rd Test: Who said what

Joe Root won his second consecutive Test series since his appointment as the English captain as his side coasted to an easy 9-wicket win over the visitors. West Indies did have their moments but, perhaps, not enough ammunition to shock England for the second time in a row. The hosts needed just 8 sessions to wrap up the game at the Lord’s Stadium.

The final Test of the series started on a dramatic note when as many as 14 wickets fell on the opening day. After getting bowled out for just 123, West Indies showed their fighting spirit and reduced England to 46 for 4 before stumps were drawn on the first evening. Kemar Roach rocked the shaky top order of the home side to finish with figures of 5 for 72. It was left to Broad to take England out of the shambles as they slumped to 134 for 8. The opening bowler’s counter-attacking 38 gave England a healthy lead of 71 runs in the first innings.

James Anderson took matters into his own hands to take England to the brink. First, he got his much-anticipated 500th wicket when he breached the defense of last match’s hero Kraigg Brathwaite. He went on to pick 6 more victims, registering career-best figures of 7/42 playing in his 129th Test match. His splendid spell ensured that England weren’t chasing too many in the fourth innings of the game.

Legendary opener Alistair Cook started briskly but was trapped in front by leg-spinner Bishoo. His fall brought Tom Westley at the crease, desperate to get a decent knock under his belt. Stoneman and Westley finished the formalities remaining unbeaten on 40 and 44 respectively. Both batted sensibly and were solid in their techniques.

Skipper Root was delighted with Anderson’s burst this morning. He said that he has been enjoying the job of leading England this summer.

Joe Root said:

 “The guys were fantastic this morning and set the tone beautifully. I think he pretty much speaks for himself. The hard work Anderson puts behind the scenes.. The control he has with both the balls, new and old.. To be able to hold a length for a significant amount of time is a fantastic skill. He’s very good, he’s very good (when asked if he’s an easy man to captain). He’s brilliant in the dressing room, very insightful, very helpful. We have played some great cricket throughout the summer. The way we have won is fantastic and hopefully we can take that momentum forward this winter. We are moving forward as a team. It’s (my first summer as England captain) been thoroughly enjoyable. Plenty of learning’s along the way and I’m sure there will be more in the future.”

Holder was pleased with how his boys stuck it out but rued a batting collapse in the second essay. He showered praises on Shai Hope for his brilliant performances throughout the series.

Jason Holder said:

“No regrets. We put up a good fight after the first innings. The second innings we didn’t bat as well as we’d have liked. Credit goes to the way Shai Hope played, not just this game for all series. Credit must go to James Anderson. He’s a world class player. Congratulations to him on reaching 500 wickets. He’s been a competitor over the years. Credit to Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad too. A series in Zimbabwe in a couple of months, so want to keep going. I still think we have to be a lot more consistent with the ball – build more pressure by bowling more maidens – and we have to fight a little bit harder (with the bat) to get ourselves stuck in. And then we have to take our chances when fielding. We let ourselves down with a number of chances in the field. It’s very good to see Shai come here and do well, and wishing him the best. Hopefully other guys around him can do the same.”

The Man of the Series went to Anderson for his 19 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 14.10. The fast bowler was at his best during the series and would want to carry this form into the Ashes.

James Anderson said:

“Definitely (will remember it for the rest of my life). Playing a Test at Lord’s is always special. My family and friends have been here, and to share the moment with guys I have played 100 Tests with is extra special. I didn’t think I would play nearly as much as I have. The team has been enjoyable one to play with. To get a series win like this makes it extra bit special. It did (bowling from the end he doesn’t normally bowl at Lord’s). There was no swing today, so we used the slope. Tried to create pressure and got rewards for it. Not surprised (with my fitness this summer). I work hard on it. Injuries will happen with age. Thankfully not many to contend with. Gibson will be a huge loss. He’s been fantastic to work with and has got a great cricket brain. Has got so much knowledge that he tries to pass on. I’m myself the most aggrieved at the moment. Wish him all the best for the future.”

England awards a Man of the Series to a player from the visiting team as well.  It went to Headingley hero Shai Hope, who also got a gritty 62 in the second innings of the Lord’s Test.

Shai Hope said:

“Hopefully (this is my breakthrough series). It’s good to get some runs. Hopefully I can carry on into the next series. This is a tough place to play cricket. We have to really showcase our skills. Good to get some runs under your belt. Hopefully next series, some more. It was a very good experience for me (playing against such bowlers in tough conditions). All the batters have learnt a lot from this tour. It’s all about trusting a plan when you go out to bat in these conditions, and executing it.”