The first test of the three-match Test series between England and the West Indies was set as the stage for the farewell of the legendary English pacer, James Anderson.
Before the start of the game, Anderson got the opportunity to lead the team out on the field on his 188th and final Test game. In his legendary career, Anderson has picked up 700 wickets, the most by any seam bowler and third-most overall. He would add one more to that tally.
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Anderson had a chance to surpass Australian great Shane Warne who had 708 Test wickets to his name, and become the bowler with the second highest tally, just behind the Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan. But the chances of that happening are now slim, with a debutant pacer hogging the limelight in the first innings.
Gus Atkinson took the spotlight at the Lords Cricket Ground on Day 1, though most of the crowd would've expected to see Anderson run through the Windies lineup.
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England won the toss and chose to bowl first considering the obvious overcast advantage. With perfect swing conditions, the stage was set for Anderson to light up the game in his final match for England.
The 42-year-old did get a wicket for himself but it was Atkinson on debut who stole the show at the home of cricket. Atkinson absolutely blew past the West Indies batting line-up, picking up seven out of the ten wickets.
Out of his seven, Atkinson picked up three in a single over. Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder and Joshua da Silva fell victim to Atkinson's world class bowling in the 35th over.
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England were able to bowl out the Caribbean side for just 121 runs half-way through Day 1 of the first Test. Atkinson’s brilliance has put Ben Stokes and Co in a commanding position. The 26-year-old won’t be forgetting this day for a long time.
The West Indian skipper, Kraigg Braithwaite was Atkinson’s first victim in Test cricket after which he was simply unstoppable for the rest of the innings.
His speed was impressive, constantly pushing close to the 90 mph mark. As England rebuilds their pace battery following the retirement of Stuart Broad and the impending exit of Anderson, Atkinson seems to be a great find for Ben Stokes' side.