Gus Atkinson had an outstanding debut for England in the Test match against West Indies at Lord’s. He took seven wickets and stole the spotlight from the retiring James Anderson, who was playing his 188th and final Test match for England. The management is looking ahead to the Ashes in Australia in 2025-26 and Atkinson’s performance has shown that he could be a key player in the team.
The day started with Anderson receiving a warm welcome from the Lord’s crowd, reminiscing about his debut in 2003 when he took a five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe. However, Atkinson’s exceptional bowling performance overshadowed Anderson’s milestone. Atkinson’s figures of 7-45 are the third-best by an England bowler on Test debut, making him only the eighth England bowler to achieve this feat. His impressive performance was crucial in bowling out West Indies for just 121 runs.
England batted confidently in response, ending the day at 189-3 with a lead of 68 runs. Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley played crucial innings, sharing a partnership of 94 runs for the second wicket. Despite a brief pause due to bad light, England managed to build a solid foundation for a substantial lead.
Atkinson’s early impact in the match was evident when he dismissed West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with just his second ball. He continued to trouble the opposition, taking three wickets in four balls in the 35th over. Anderson also contributed to the bowling attack, claiming the final wicket of the innings and marking his 701st Test wicket.
While Anderson’s legacy will be remembered, Atkinson’s remarkable debut has shown promise for England’s future. With the focus on preparing for the upcoming Ashes series, Atkinson’s performance has provided a glimpse of the team’s potential beyond Anderson’s retirement. As England looks ahead to the second day of the Test match, fans can expect more thrilling cricket action at Lord’s.
For those eager to watch the continuation of the first Test match between England and West Indies, tune in to Sky Sports Cricket from 10.15 am on Thursday. With no contract required, viewers can stream Sky Sports live on NOW and enjoy a variety of sports content including football, cricket, F1, rugby, and more. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting moments from the ongoing Test series.