James Anderson's Final Bow: A Test Match to Remember

James Anderson dismissed West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite in his final test match, as England dominated the first test at Lord's. England led by 250 runs and reduced West Indies to 79-6 in their second innings. England's debutant Jamie Smith scored 70, while Anderson took 2-11.

Veteran bowler James Anderson bid an emotional farewell to his storied career, dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite for the last time in a dominant display by England in the first test at Lord's. Though West Indies staved off a two-day defeat, they were struggling at 79-6, trailing England by 171 runs.

England, resuming the second day at 189-3, was all out for 371 before tea, establishing a commanding lead of 250 runs. Debutant Jamie Smith impressed with a sparkling 70, hitting eight fours and two sixes. Notably, opener Zak Crawley scored 76 while contributions came from Joe Root (68), Ollie Pope (57), and Harry Brook (50).

Anderson, playing his 188th and final test, struck early to bowl Brathwaite, ending with figures of 2-11 in 10 overs. Supported by Gus Atkinson's 7-45 and Stokes’ all-round performance, England seized control. Ben Stokes reached the elite 200 wickets-6,000 runs milestone, joining the ranks of legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis.