Cricket

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career as the bowling mentor for the England Test side. Following his emotional retirement from international cricket after the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's, Anderson will now share his vast experience and knowledge with the team's bowlers for the remaining two matches of the series.Anderson's transition to a coaching role marks a significant moment in English cricket. The 41-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, having taken 704 wickets in 175 Test matches. His exceptional skill, longevity, and unwavering determination have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.In his final Test appearance, Anderson showcased his enduring brilliance, claiming four wickets to finish his career as the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history. His departure from the international stage was met with an outpouring of tributes from fellow players, pundits, and fans alike.As England prepare for the second Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, Anderson will assume his new role as bowling mentor. His primary responsibility will be to guide and support the team's bowlers, helping them develop their skills and strategies. Anderson's vast experience and deep understanding of the game will be invaluable to the young bowlers in the squad.The first Test of the series saw England dominate the West Indies, winning by an innings and 114 runs. Anderson played a crucial role in the victory, taking the first wicket of the day and setting the tone for the match. However, it was debutant Gus Atkinson who stole the limelight, claiming a remarkable ten-wicket haul to etch his name into the Lord's honors board.Anderson's retirement and subsequent appointment as bowling mentor mark a changing of the guard in English cricket. While the team will undoubtedly miss his presence on the field, his continued involvement in the coaching setup ensures that his legacy will live on. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Anderson is well-positioned to help England's bowlers reach new heights and continue the team's success in the years to come.

Joshua Da Silva, the West Indies wicketkeeper-batter, has expressed his understanding of England's focus on the 2025-26 Ashes, despite their current series against the Caribbean side. Da Silva believes that England's long-term planning could inadvertently benefit West Indies if it leads to underestimation of their current opponents.England's dominant victory at Lord's, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, was overshadowed by the retirement of legendary fast bowler James Anderson. The move was made with an eye towards regaining the Ashes in Australia in two years' time.However, Da Silva does not view England's decision as a slight. He acknowledges their motivation to prepare for Australia in advance, especially if it means underestimating West Indies. "If they take us for granted, we might get a win, or might win the series," he said.West Indies' batting performance in the first Test was disappointing, with only Gudakesh Motie scoring over 30 runs. Da Silva admitted that the team had a "few soft dismissals" and that they needed to "soak up more pressure" and avoid losing wickets in clusters.Despite the setback, Da Silva remains optimistic about West Indies' chances at Trent Bridge. He believes that the team can learn from their mistakes and improve their performance. "We are doing everything we can, rebuilding, and going hard forward into the next Test," he said.Da Silva also emphasized the importance of his experience in the team, despite being only 24 years old. He is the fourth most experienced member of the squad and has scored a century against England in the past. "I hope to see that some of the boys can ask me some questions and just look up to the games that I've played," he said.Da Silva echoed head coach Andre Coley's call for a repeat of the resilience the team displayed against Australia at the start of the year, when they squared a two-match series at the Gabba after a similar loss in Adelaide. "It's something we can look at," he said. "If we can replicate that, all of us will be really happy."

Sourav Ganguly's Iconic Celebration: A Moment Etched in Indian Cricket HistoryOn July 13, 2002, at the hallowed Lord's Cricket Ground, Sourav Ganguly etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket with an iconic celebration that remains a cherished memory for fans. After India's thrilling come-from-behind victory in the NatWest Series final against England, Ganguly, the Indian captain, shed his jersey and waved it triumphantly, a gesture that symbolized the team's resilience and determination.The victory was particularly significant as it broke India's nine-match losing streak in ODI finals. England had posted a formidable total of 325 for 5, with Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain amassing a 185-run partnership. India's chase got off to a promising start with Ganguly and Virender Sehwag providing a 106-run opening stand. However, the middle order faltered, leaving India reeling at 146 for 5.Enter Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh, two young guns who turned the tide with a fearless batting display. They forged a 121-run partnership, injecting life into India's chase. Kaif remained unbeaten on 87, while Yuvraj contributed a flamboyant 69.With the match hanging in the balance, Zaheer Khan and Kaif sealed the victory in the final over, sparking wild celebrations on the Lord's balcony. Ganguly, shirtless and waving his jersey, led the jubilation, a moment that became an enduring image in Indian cricket history.The NatWest Series triumph was a watershed moment for Indian cricket, marking the beginning of an era of dominance under Ganguly's leadership. It also showcased the team's fighting spirit and ability to overcome adversity, qualities that would become synonymous with the "Ganguly era."

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over two decades. Anderson's final Test match was a fitting farewell, as he helped England secure an innings and 114-run victory over the West Indies at Lord's, the ground where he made his Test debut in 2003.Anderson's retirement marks the end of an era for English cricket. He is England's all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 704 scalps to his name, and is third on the all-time list behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. Anderson's longevity and consistency are a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the game.Throughout his career, Anderson formed a formidable partnership with Stuart Broad, another English fast bowling legend. Together, they terrorized opposition batters with their relentless pace and swing bowling. Anderson's ability to generate movement off the pitch, both in the air and off the seam, made him a nightmare for batsmen.Anderson's retirement is a significant loss for English cricket, but it also marks a new chapter for the team. The likes of Ollie Robinson, Matthew Potts, and Saqib Mahmood are all promising young fast bowlers who will be looking to fill the void left by Anderson.Anderson's legacy will live on long after his retirement. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, and his achievements will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.

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."

James Anderson, the legendary English pace bowler, bid farewell to international cricket in style as England thrashed West Indies by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test at Lord's.Anderson, playing in his 188th and final Test, took a wicket on the third day, marking the end of his illustrious career. Before the start of play, an emotional Anderson walked onto the field to a guard of honor and a standing ovation from the crowd.In his second over of the day, Anderson dismissed Joshua Da Silva for 9, claiming his 704th Test wicket. Da Silva's departure was quickly followed by that of Alzarri Joseph, who scored 8 runs. Joseph attempted to fight back with an aggressive approach but was caught by Ben Duckett, giving him his 10th wicket on his Test debut.Shamar Joseph then managed to score only 3 runs before being clean bowled by Gus Atkinson. Joseph's dismissal left Gudakesh Motie to resist England's bowlers. Motie, who remained not out at 31, managed to produce moments of resistance, including a drive to the cover boundary that prompted a lengthy chase and a dive from Anderson.There was a moment when Motie nearly handed Anderson his 705th Test wicket by driving the ball straight back to him, but Anderson spilled the catch. Anderson didn't get another opportunity to secure a final wicket.Atkinson brought the game to a close when Jayden Seales, who added 8 runs, was caught by Duckett, leaving West Indies all out for 136. This concluded a comprehensive win for England inside seven sessions.Anderson's retirement marks the end of an era for English cricket. He is England's all-time leading wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs and has been a key figure in the team's success over the past two decades.

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.