Cricket

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, may be on the cusp of retirement, but he proved on Day 2 of the first Test against West Indies that his class remains undiminished.After England established a commanding 250-run lead in the first innings, Anderson returned to the bowling crease with a vengeance. Opening the attack, he struck an early blow, dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a superb inswinger.Anderson's delivery was a testament to his enduring skill and experience. The ball dipped low and swung back in towards the right-handed Brathwaite, who was completely deceived. It was Anderson's 702nd Test wicket, a remarkable milestone in a career that has spanned over two decades."Top class from James Anderson," remarked Ian Bishop from the commentary box. "Finally, the good bowlers will find a way through."Anderson would strike again later in the day, picking up his 703rd wicket by dismissing Alick Athanaze. West Indies ended Day 2 on 79/6, staring at an innings defeat.However, with only four more wickets left, Anderson cannot surpass Shane Warne's tally of 708 Test wickets and become the second-highest Test wicket-taker. Muttiah Muralidharan still maintains the lead at 800 Test scalps.While Anderson's farewell game has been overshadowed by his own brilliance, another pacer has emerged as a potential star for England. 26-year-old Gus Atkinson, making his Test debut, ran through the West Indies batting, picking up seven wickets in the first innings.Atkinson's remarkable debut helped England bundle out the Windies for a paltry 121. In reply, England put up 371, courtesy of half-centuries from Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and another debutant, Jamie Smith.Atkinson had been picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2024 but did not play a game and eventually withdrew from the squad. His performance in this Test match suggests that he has the potential to become a world-class bowler.As Anderson prepares to bid goodbye to Test cricket, the emergence of Atkinson provides a glimmer of hope for the future of English fast bowling.

Jasprit Bumrah's devastating spell of 6 for 19 in the first ODI against England at The Oval on July 12, 2022, stands as a testament to his exceptional bowling prowess. It was the best performance by an Indian bowler outside Asia, decimating the hosts and laying the foundation for a comprehensive Indian victory.Bumrah's opening burst was a masterclass in swing and seam bowling. He dismissed Jason Roy and Joe Root for ducks in his first over, sending shockwaves through the English batting lineup. Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingston followed suit, leaving England reeling at 26 for 4.Mohammed Shami complemented Bumrah's brilliance from the other end, claiming 3 for 31. Bumrah returned for his second spell and continued his demolition, clean-bowling Brydon Carse and David Willey to complete his six-wicket haul. England were bundled out for a paltry 110 in just 25.2 overs.Bumrah's spell of 7.2 overs, 3 maidens, 19 runs, and 6 wickets was a statistical masterpiece. It showcased his ability to generate movement and accuracy, making him a formidable force in any conditions.The Indian openers, led by captain Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 76, made light work of the chase. Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan (31*) forged an unbroken 114-run partnership to secure a dominant 10-wicket victory.Bumrah's heroics in the first ODI continued his impressive run of form. He was instrumental in India's recent T20 World Cup triumph, where he emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker.With 149 wickets in 89 ODIs at an average of 23.55 and an economy rate of 4.59, Bumrah has established himself as one of the most potent bowlers in the world. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a nightmare for batsmen.

England's return to Test cricket against West Indies marked a momentous occasion as legendary fast bowler James Anderson bid farewell to international cricket. Despite England's recent 1-4 defeat to India, former pacer Steve Harmison believes the team played well and gave India a "real headache" during the series.Harmison praised England's "Bazball" approach, which involves aggressive batting and a positive mindset. He believes that while India played better cricket in their home conditions, England's style of play still caused problems for the hosts."I thought they (England) played excellent cricket in India. They gave India some real headaches," Harmison said. "But then, all of a sudden, when you get to a point that you go, 'oh no, they've done it again'. How many times you see a crash of wickets? That's the problem, where you need to read a room."Harmison emphasized that England's red-ball cricket has improved significantly under the current regime. "The way these red ball players play now, it's far better than what it was in the previous regime," he said.Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes' decision to bowl first was met with cheers from the crowd, eager to witness Anderson's final Test appearance. Anderson, who has taken a record 700 Test wickets, received a standing ovation as he led England onto the field.Before the match, Anderson presented 26-year-old debutant Jamie Atkinson with his England cap, while his daughters rang the five-minute bell in the Pavilion.

England's experimental T20I squad continued their dominance over New Zealand, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series with a six-wicket victory in Canterbury. Sophie Ecclestone's exceptional bowling performance, coupled with an unbeaten half-century from Alice Capsey, proved too much for the White Ferns.Ecclestone's four-wicket haul, including the crucial dismissal of New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, stifled the visitors' batting efforts. Devine's defiant 58* and Suzie Bates' 38 provided some resistance, but England's bowlers maintained control throughout the innings.In response, England's top-order struggled initially, losing two quick wickets to Fran Jonas. However, Sophia Dunkley's 26-ball 35 and Capsey's unbeaten 67* steadied the ship. Capsey's highest T20I score, coming off 60 deliveries, showcased her maturity and composure under pressure.Freya Kemp's quickfire 16* off eight balls sealed the victory for England, despite New Zealand's missed chances in the field. The White Ferns will rue their inability to capitalize on their opportunities, as England's clinical performance highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides.With two matches remaining in the series, England's experimental approach has paid dividends. The team has shown depth and versatility, with several players stepping up to fill key roles. As the series progresses, it will be intriguing to see if England continues to rotate their squad and give more players a chance to impress.

Ben Stokes, the enigmatic English all-rounder, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the third player globally and the first from England to achieve the remarkable feat of amassing over 6,000 runs and taking more than 200 wickets in Test cricket. This extraordinary milestone was reached during the first Test of a three-match series against West Indies at Lord's, where Stokes secured his 200th Test wicket by dismissing Kirk McKenzie.Stokes' journey to this historic achievement has been marked by unwavering determination and exceptional skill. In 103 Tests, he has amassed 6,320 runs at an average of 35.30, including 13 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score of 258 stands as a testament to his ability to dominate the crease. With the ball, Stokes has proven equally formidable, taking 200 wickets at an average of 30.43. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace has made him a potent weapon for England.The elite company that Stokes now joins is a testament to his all-round brilliance. Garry Sobers, the legendary West Indian, holds the record with 8,032 runs and 235 wickets in 93 Tests, while Jacques Kallis, the South African great, boasts 13,289 runs and 292 wickets in 166 Tests. Stokes' achievement places him among the pantheon of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen.Beyond his Test exploits, Stokes has also established himself as a world-class performer across all formats of international cricket. He has scored over 10,000 runs and taken more than 300 wickets in international cricket, becoming only the sixth player worldwide and the first from England to achieve this remarkable double.Stokes' all-round prowess has been instrumental in England's recent resurgence in Test cricket. Under his captaincy, England has won 10 of their last 12 Tests, including a memorable 3-0 series victory over New Zealand in 2022. His ability to inspire his team and lead from the front has made him a true icon of the sport.As Stokes continues his illustrious career, he will undoubtedly add to his already impressive tally of runs and wickets. His unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a formidable opponent and a true ambassador for the game of cricket.

England's recent T20 World Cup exit and Test series loss to India have drawn criticism from former cricketer Geoffrey Boycott. Boycott believes that the team's focus on entertainment over results is detrimental to their success.In a column for The Telegraph, Boycott expressed his disappointment with England's performance in the T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the semifinals by India. He also criticized the team's 4-1 Test series loss in India earlier this year.Boycott argued that England cricket fans expect a winning team that plays positive cricket. However, he believes that the team's recent performances have been characterized by "ego and hubris.""They came out with comments about being entertainers and how it was important to score quickly and thrill the crowds," Boycott wrote. "All that is laudable but they should never lose sight that there is a winner and a loser and losing isn’t much fun."Boycott emphasized that Test match cricket is not an exhibition and that players should not prioritize entertainment over results. He warned that if players start to think that results don't matter, they might as well "join a circus."Boycott also criticized England's recent batting approach, which he described as "Bazball strokeplay." While he acknowledged that this approach has produced some exciting moments, he believes it has also cost the team matches."I hope the coach, captain and players have taken stock and will now temper their batting with some common sense," Boycott wrote.England is currently involved in a three-match Test series against West Indies. Boycott's comments will likely put pressure on the team to perform well and prove that they are committed to winning.

James Anderson, the legendary English pacer, is bidding farewell to international cricket after over two decades of service. Former England cricketer Mark Butcher recently shared his first impressions of Anderson, who made his debut in 2002.Butcher recalled Anderson's debut Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's in 2003, where the young pacer's spiked hair was the only "loud thing" about him. "Very, very quiet, very, very shy, kept himself to himself," Butcher said.Despite his unassuming demeanor, Anderson's bowling skills were evident from the start. "He bowled some incredible deliveries, turning batters into an S," Butcher said. "We felt as though, wow, you have got a really talented kid here."Butcher noted that Anderson was quicker early in his career, but his skill with the ball has compensated for any loss in pace. "He's still doing it 21 years later, something that nobody would have been able to have predicted," Butcher added.Anderson's remarkable career includes 701 wickets in 187 Test matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker in the format and the leading fast bowler. He has also taken 269 wickets in 194 ODIs and 18 wickets in 19 T20Is.In the ongoing first Test against West Indies at Lord's, Anderson is playing his final international match. England won the toss and elected to field, with West Indies being bowled out for 121 runs. Anderson took one wicket, while Gus Atkinson claimed a seven-fer.England has since crossed the 300-run mark in their first innings, with a 200-plus run-lead. Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes are currently at the crease.

Gus Atkinson, making his Test debut for England, stole the spotlight on the first day of the Lord's Test against the West Indies. The 26-year-old seamer claimed an astonishing seven wickets for 45 runs, overshadowing the farewell of legendary James Anderson.Atkinson's remarkable figures, including a triple wicket-maiden, are the second best by an England bowler on a Test debut behind Dominic Cork's 7 for 43 against the West Indies at Lord's in 1995.The West Indies, playing with an inexperienced top order, were skittled out for a mere 121 runs. Only debutant Mikyle Louis (27) managed to reach the 20s.Atkinson's brilliance began in the 35th over when he dismissed Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, and Joshua Da Silva in quick succession. His accuracy and challenging line and length proved too much for the West Indian batsmen.Earlier, England captain Ben Stokes opted to field after winning the toss. Anderson, playing his final Test, was unable to make an early breakthrough, but Atkinson struck with his second delivery to dismiss Kraigg Brathwaite.Zak Crawley (76) and Ollie Pope (57) then led England's response with well-crafted half-centuries. Crawley was on track for a century before being bowled by Jayden Seales.At the close of play, England were 189 for 3, establishing a lead of 68 runs. The hosts will look to build on their strong position on day two and secure a victory in Anderson's farewell Test.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, is set to bid farewell to Test cricket after the match against the West Indies at Lord's. As he prepares for his final appearance, Anderson has reflected on his illustrious career, sharing his thoughts on the greatest opponents he has faced.In a Q&A session on Sky Sports Cricket, Anderson named Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar as the most formidable batter he has ever bowled against. Despite having faced numerous contemporary stars, Anderson believes Tendulkar stands out as the ultimate challenge."The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar," Anderson stated. "He was just a phenomenal player. He had everything. He could play all the shots, he was very strong mentally, and he was very difficult to get out."Anderson has played 39 Tests against India, claiming a total of 149 wickets. He has dismissed Tendulkar on nine occasions, but the Indian legend's class and resilience have always left a lasting impression.When asked about the best bowler he has faced, Anderson acknowledged the prowess of Australia's Glenn McGrath and South Africa's Dale Steyn. "The best bowler I faced probably Glenn McGrath or Dale Steyn," he remarked. "Hard to pick between the two. Slightly different bowlers, but both world-class."Reflecting on his career, Anderson singled out his dismissal of former Australian captain Michael Clarke in the 2013 Trent Bridge Test as his most memorable wicket. However, when it came to the achievement he takes the most pride in, Anderson surprisingly chose his batting performance."Career achievement I am most proud of his getting 81 at Trent Bridge against India," he shared. "I know, I probably should pick a wicket or bowling performance, but getting 81 with the bat, I think, it is just something I still can't believe I have done."As Anderson prepares for his final Test, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. His ability to swing the ball both ways, his relentless accuracy, and his unwavering determination have made him a formidable opponent for batters around the world.