Cricket

James Anderson's illustrious Test career culminated at Lord's, where it had commenced 21 years ago. In the second innings, he claimed three wickets as England secured a resounding innings and 114-run victory over West Indies.Anderson's emotions were palpable after the match. "It was emotional this morning with the teams lined up and the crowd's reaction," he said. "I'm proud of playing for 20-odd years. It's an incredible effort, especially for a fast bowler."Anderson's family witnessed his final Test moment. "It's been different emotions, up and down," he said. "Walking out today was emotional. I forgot what I was trying to do with the ball."Anderson finished his Test career with 704 wickets, narrowly missing out on a 705th when he dropped a catch off his own bowling. "I'm gutted to have dropped that catch," he admitted.Throughout his career, Anderson played alongside 109 teammates. "I've been lucky to play with some amazing players," he said. "Some of the most talented cricketers ever, but more importantly, some really good blokes and friends for life."Anderson emphasized the camaraderie in cricket. "No other sport creates this sort of atmosphere, these friendships," he said. "I'm a little jealous of these lads who get to experience that for the next few years."Asked about his most cherished feeling, Anderson replied, "Winning the Test match. There's no better feeling. Sharing other people's success is incredible."While he will miss the camaraderie, Anderson admitted, "I feel about 55 after the overs I've bowled this week. I'll miss the aches and pains."Anderson's future plans remain uncertain. "I'm going to stick around for the rest of the summer," he said. "I'll try to help the bowling group out as much as I can, and we'll see where life takes us after that."

England's dominance over West Indies continued at Lord's as they secured a resounding innings and 114-run victory, completing a comprehensive triumph in the first Test.After posting a mammoth 371 in their first innings, England's bowlers wreaked havoc on the West Indies batting lineup. Gus Atkinson, making his Test debut, emerged as the star performer, claiming 12 wickets for 106 runs in the match. His exceptional performance marked the best figures by an Englishman on Test debut since 1890.James Anderson, the veteran seamer, also made a significant contribution, taking four wickets in the match, including three in the second innings. Despite missing out on a fairytale five-wicket haul, Anderson's 704th Test wicket cemented his status as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.England's batting lineup also impressed, with Zak Crawley (76), Alex Smith (70), Joe Root (68), Ollie Pope (57), and Harry Brook (50) all contributing to the team's imposing total.In the second innings, Atkinson continued his demolition of the West Indies batting order, claiming five wickets for 61 runs. Anderson chipped in with three wickets, while Stuart Broad and Jack Leach also played their part in the rout.West Indies' batting woes were evident throughout the match, with only Kyle Mayers (31) and Nkrumah Bonner (35) offering any resistance. The team's inability to build partnerships and their susceptibility to Atkinson's pace and accuracy proved costly.England's victory sets the tone for the remaining two Tests in the series. The team will be confident of continuing their dominance, while West Indies will need to find a way to improve their batting performance if they are to avoid a series whitewash.

The West Indies' plan to honor England's legendary fast bowler James Anderson with a guard of honor was disrupted by an unexpected moment of jubilation on day two of the first Test at Lord's.Anderson, who has taken a record-breaking 703 Test wickets, was playing his 188th and final Test for England. It is customary for the fielding team to form a guard of honor when a prominent opposition player is batting for the last time in a Test match.However, just before the 41-year-old Anderson walked out to a standing ovation from the packed crowd at Lord's, Mikyle Louis executed a brilliant run out to dismiss Shoaib Bashir, triggering exuberant celebrations among the West Indies players.As a result, when Anderson emerged from the pavilion, only former West Indies skipper Jason Holder was present to greet him with a handshake."We spoke about it before he came out to bat, that we were going to give him a guard of honor," West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales said. "Obviously the run out took us all the way down to Swiss Cottage, so it was pretty hard to do the guard of honor for the great man. Luckily, Jason caught up with him."However, Anderson had to return to the dressing room without even facing a ball as debutant Jamie Smith (70) was dismissed as the last England wicket to fall."I think the biggest missed opportunity was not seeing Jimmy face one off their left-arm spinner," Smith said. "That's the one regret about my innings. I'm a bit disappointed I couldn't hit one more six to allow him his moment. It's been an honor to play alongside him in my first game. Everyone will miss him when he goes."Anderson, England captain Ben Stokes, and newcomer Gus Atkinson each claimed two wickets as the West Indies crumbled to 79 for 6 by the end of play on Thursday. This followed their dismal first-innings total of 121 in the opening match of the three-Test series.

Jamie Smith's fluent 70 on debut propelled England to a commanding 371 all out and a 250-run lead over West Indies at tea on the second day of the first Test at Lord's.Smith, the 23-year-old opener, shared a 52-run partnership with Chris Woakes, who was caught at square leg for 23. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who took seven West Indies first-innings wickets on his debut, fell first ball to Jason Holder.Smith, undeterred, launched into an attacking display, hitting two big sixes and eight fours in the sunshine. He was eventually dismissed for 70, caught by Kirk McKenzie at mid-wicket off Jayden Seales.Joe Root scored a composed 68, while Harry Brook contributed a breezy 50. Ben Stokes was bowled by Gudakesh Motie for four, while Shoaib Bashir was run out by a brilliant throw from Mikyle Louis.James Anderson, in his 188th and final Test, did not face a ball as he received another warm ovation from the crowd.England had dismissed West Indies for 121 on the first day, with Atkinson taking 7/28. The hosts will be looking to extend their lead and put themselves in a strong position to win the match.

England's legendary fast bowler James Anderson, who is on the cusp of retirement, has revealed that his most memorable battles were against the Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. Anderson, who is playing his final Test match for England against the West Indies at Lord's, has dismissed Tendulkar nine times throughout his illustrious career.Despite his success against Tendulkar, Anderson admitted that he never had a specific game plan against the Indian legend. "The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar," Anderson told Sky Sports. "I don't remember having a specific game plan against Sachin Tendulkar. Once he came on, I would just think that I cannot bowl a bad ball here, he was that kind of player."Anderson emphasized the impact Tendulkar had on the Indian team and the atmosphere in the stadium. "He was a key for India as well. If you get him out in India, the whole atmosphere, in the ground changes. He was such a big wicket," Anderson said.Like Tendulkar, who represented India for 24 years, Anderson has set a remarkable example for fast bowlers. He has played Test cricket for 21 years and became the first bowler to breach the 700-wicket mark earlier this year during India's tour of England.However, Anderson acknowledged that both he and Tendulkar enjoyed success against each other. "You just try on bowling your best ball, top of off-stump, the whole time and hope he miss a straight one. In England, he might knick the odd one, but generally, I'd try and get him out LBW early," he said."I had some success against him, but he had success against me as well. He got runs against us quite a lot," Anderson added.While Anderson claimed 149 wickets in 39 Tests against India with six five-fors, Tendulkar amassed 2,535 runs in 32 Tests against England at an average of 51.73 with seven centuries and 13 fifties.Anderson also expressed pride in his batting achievement of scoring 81 runs against India at Nottingham in July 2014. "I am most proud of getting 81 at Trent Bridge against India. I probably should pick a wicket or bowling performance, but getting 81 with the bat, it is just something I still can't believe I have done," he said.

James Anderson, England's legendary fast bowler, is set to bid farewell to international cricket in the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's, starting on Wednesday. The match will mark Anderson's 188th and final Test, after which he will transition into England's fast-bowling mentor.Anderson's retirement comes after a distinguished 21-year Test career, during which he has taken 700 wickets, making him the first seamer in history to reach this milestone. Despite being 42 years old, Anderson remains one of the most potent bowlers in the world, as evidenced by his impressive performance in India earlier this year, where he took 10 wickets at an average of 33.50.However, England's managing director Rob Key, coach Brendon McCullum, and captain Ben Stokes decided to pension off Anderson, believing that it was time for a new generation of fast bowlers to take over. Anderson was informed of their decision in April, a month after his return from India.Despite the disappointment of being forced into retirement, Anderson has accepted the decision with grace. He understands the need for England to plan for the future, especially with the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia on the horizon.Anderson warmed up for his final Test with a brilliant performance for Lancashire in the English County Championship last week, taking 7-35. He will be hoping to end his Test career on a high note at Lord's, where he made his Test debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe.The first Test against the West Indies will also see the debuts of Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Both players have represented England in white-ball cricket, with Atkinson playing in the ODI World Cup last year. Smith replaces Jonny Bairstow, who has been dropped after 100 Tests.Spinner Jack Leach has also made way for Shoaib Bashir to make his home Test debut after taking 17 wickets in India. Chris Woakes returns for his first Test since he was the player of the series in the Ashes last summer.The West Indies, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their 10-wicket thrashing in Adelaide in their last Test against Australia. They have recalled all-rounder Jason Holder and fast bowler Jayden Seales, while opening batter Mikyle Louis will become the first man from St. Kitts and Nevis to play a Test.In the absence of the injured Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph will lead the pace attack with Seales and Shamar Joseph, who played a pivotal role in the West Indies' extraordinary eight-run victory over Australia in Brisbane in January.Anderson, who has been described as "perfect" as a Test player by Shamar Joseph, is determined to make his last Test a memorable one. However, he is also aware of the emotions that will be swirling around him during the match."I'm sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that's what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying," Anderson said.

James Anderson, a modern-day cricketing legend, is set to bid farewell to international cricket with his 188th and final Test match at Lord's. This momentous occasion sparks a reflection on the cultural divide between England and India in their approach to player departures.In England, there is a growing sentiment that Anderson should continue playing until he decides it's time to retire. This view stems from a belief that it's unfair to ask a long-serving player to pack up and leave. However, there is also an understanding that the team's future must be considered.In contrast, India has a tradition of allowing its favorites to choose their departure date. Greats have been carried by the team to achieve milestones or play on their home ground. This approach reflects the deep emotional connection Indian fans have with their heroes.This cultural divide highlights the different ways in which selfishness is viewed in sport. In individual sports, selfishness is often seen as a necessary element of greatness. However, in team sports, it can be a double-edged sword.Research has shown that being self-centered, ruthless, and manipulative can help elite athletes achieve glory. These traits, which may be considered negative in social settings, are important for sporting performance.Anderson's farewell raises questions about the balance between individual and team interests. While his past achievements are undeniable, the team's future must be prioritized. It's a difficult decision, but one that must be made for the long-term health of English cricket.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite is drawing inspiration from his team's stunning victory over Australia in Brisbane as they prepare for the first Test against England at Lord's. Despite their inexperience, Brathwaite believes his team can overcome the odds once again.In January, West Indies defied all expectations by defeating Australia in Brisbane, a venue where the hosts had lost only once in 34 Tests. Key contributions from Kavem Hodge, Joshua da Silva, Kevin Sinclair, Alick Athanaze, and Kirk McKenzie, along with Shamar Joseph's match-winning bowling performance, secured the historic eight-run win.Now, West Indies face another tough challenge in England, where they haven't won a series since 1988. Only three players in their squad - Brathwaite, Jason Holder, and Alzarri Joseph - have prior experience at Lord's. However, Brathwaite is confident that his team can replicate their Brisbane success."It was a big positive for us to get a win, because it shows that we could we could get the job done," Brathwaite said. "We could take a lot of stuff from that game as batsmen, because we had some important partnerships. Then the bowlers were outstanding."Brathwaite confirmed his XI on the eve of the Test, with Mikyle Louis set to make history as the first player from St Kitts to represent West Indies. The middle-order is also relatively inexperienced, but Brathwaite believes they are ready for the challenge."I think they're young and exciting," he said. "They have a lot of talent and we are fully 100% behind them."Brathwaite's experience will be crucial, especially against England's aggressive "Bazball" approach. However, he insists that he will not be rushed into changing his style."My general style is taking my time, and that's me," he said. "All the batters must bat their game, and back their plan. That's what we will do, we focus on ourselves. Making sure we fight is very important."Brathwaite also acknowledged the skills of James Anderson, who will be playing his final Test at Lord's."Obviously he's a legend of the game, he's very consistent," Brathwaite said. "Facing him in England is a good challenge, you've really got to be on it."Brathwaite's advice to his teammates is to trust their plans and enjoy the experience."Don't just expect to play for West Indies, expect to be the first to score 30 hundreds," he said. "You got to think big, you know. Don't think too small."

India's triumph in the T20 World Cup has sparked controversy, with former England captain Michael Vaughan accusing the organizers of favoritism towards the Indian team. Vaughan highlighted the flight delay faced by Afghanistan players traveling to Trinidad for the semi-final, alleging a lack of respect and an India-centric scheduling.However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has dismissed Vaughan's claims, questioning his credentials and India's proven track record of lifting World Cups. Shastri pointed out that India has won the T20 World Cup four times, while England has won it twice.Shastri also addressed the controversial catch taken by Suryakumar Yadav in the final, silencing critics who questioned its legitimacy. He emphasized that India's victory will be etched in the record books, regardless of any sour grapes.Vaughan's allegations have been met with mixed reactions. Some have supported his claims, citing the scheduling issues faced by Afghanistan. Others have defended the organizers, arguing that the tournament was fair and well-organized.The controversy has raised questions about the fairness of international sporting events and the potential for bias towards certain teams. It also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in tournament scheduling and decision-making.