England close in on innings win as West Indies fail again

West Indies 121 (Atkinson 7-45) & 79-6 (Anderson 2-11)
England 371 (Crawley 76, Smith 70, Root 68, Seales 4-77)
West Indies trail by 171 runs

James Anderson took two wickets in his final innings as an international bowler to help put England on course for a huge win over West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s.

Anderson, opening the attack for the last time in his record-breaking England career, began the hosts’ hunt for an innings victory by bowling West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite and returned to have Alick Athanaze caught behind.

With captain Ben Stokes also taking two wickets and Gus Atkinson two of his own, including Jason Holder off the final ball of the day, West Indies were left 79-6, still 171 short of making England bat again.

The tourists had actually done well to bowl England out for 371, but are paying the price for being hustled out for 121 on the opening day.

Jamie Smith, England’s wicketkeeper on Test debut, showed why he has such a reputation as a batting talent with an assured 70.

Joe Root made a typically elegant 68 and Harry Brook 50, though none of the home top order could capitalise on some good batting conditions with a really big score.

Still, England will win this match on a Friday which promises to be an emotional farewell to the legendary Anderson.