England Dominates West Indies: Anderson Shines in Final Test

West Indies are struggling at 79-6 against England at Lord's on the second day of the first test. England, boosted by significant contributions from Joe Root, Harry Brook, and debutant Jamie Smith, set a hefty total of 371. James Anderson, in his final test, led the bowling attack to put England in control.

On Thursday, West Indies found themselves reeling at 79-6 by the close of the second day of the first test against England at Lord's, trailing their hosts by 171 runs and on the brink of a heavy defeat.

England's strong first-innings total of 371 was built on impressive half-centuries from Joe Root, Harry Brook, and debutant Jamie Smith. Veteran bowler James Anderson, marking his 188th and final test match, made an immediate impact by dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a remarkable delivery. Additional wickets fell rapidly, but a resilient partnership between Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder managed to extend the game into a third day.

Despite Athanaze's promising play, Anderson claimed his wicket for 22, and Gus Atkinson removed Holder for 20 with the day's final ball, leaving Joshua Da Silva unbeaten on eight. Earlier in the day, Brook had reached his 12th fifty in 13 tests, Root made his 62nd test fifty, and Smith showcased his potential with a series of boundaries. England captain Ben Stokes added to the performance by joining the elite club of players to have taken 200 wickets and scored 6,000 runs in tests.