England vs West Indies 1st Test: Atkinson Shines on Debut as England Dominate Day One

 

The opening day first Test of England Vs West Indies 1st Test at Lord’s saw a dazzling performance from debutant Gus Atkinson, who claimed seven wickets to leave the visitors reeling. England bowled the West Indies for a meager 121 runs to conclude the day on 189/3, taking a commanding 68-run advantage. James Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, spoke a moving farewell on this day as he prepares to retire following this game.

 

Atkinson’s Sensational Debut

On his Test debut, Surrey’s 26-year-old fast bowler Gus Atkinson left an immediate impression. Since Dominic Cork’s seven for forty-three against the same opposition in 1995, his outstanding seven for forty-five is the best by an Englishman on debut. During his period, Atkinson took three wickets in four deliveries, almost missing a hat-trick.

With his second ball in a Test match, Atkinson took out West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who routinely sliced a delivery against his stumps, for his first wicket. This gave Atkinson’s tenure a starting point when he removed Kirk McKenzie after the bat, as McKenzie edged a drive to Zak Crawley at slip. Atkinson persisted in bothering the West Indies batsmen, ultimately culminating in remarkable figures of 7 for 45.

 

Anderson’s Farewell Performance

In his 188th and final Test match, James Anderson achieved a new career high by taking his 701st wicket. Anderson needs just seven more wickets to tie Australian great Shane Warne for second place on the all-time list. Anderson is now ranked third. Anderson was honored throughout the day. His daughters Ruby and Lola rang the five-minute bell before the game, and montages of his greatest moments were shown on the large screen.

 

West Indies’ Struggles

The West Indies could only muster 121 runs in less than 42 overs as they were unable to match the English bowling attack. With 27 runs, Mikyle Louis—the first St. Kitts native to play Test cricket for the West Indies—was the leading scorer. Louis, playing in his seventh first-class match, put up a fight, but Ben Stokes, who had returned from knee surgery as the fourth seamer, eventually prevailed.

 

England’s Batting Response

By making the most of their bowlers’ efforts, England’s batsmen finished the day with a commanding lead. The first player out was Ben Duckett, who scored just three runs before going out of the game. With a solid 57, Ollie Pope contributed, but Zak Crawley had the highest score of 76. At the end, Joe Root and Harry Brook were still unbeaten and ready to increase England’s lead on the following day.

Highlights of the Day

Gus Atkinson’s Dream Debut: Atkinson’s 7 for 45 is the best Englishman to make a debut since 1995, demonstrating his potential to become an England great in the future.

 

Anderson’s Milestone: James Anderson is getting closer to Shane Warne’s record with his 701st wicket, adding another chapter to his illustrious career.

 

West Indies Collapse: Mikyle Louis scored 27 runs to lead the visitors in scoring as they were bowled out for 121.

 

England’s Robust Start: With important contributions from Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley, England finished the day with 189/3, laying a solid foundation for the remainder of the contest.

 

Anderson tributes: James Anderson’s 22-year career and significant contribution to English cricket were honored on this day.

 

Conclusion

The opening day of the first Test at Lord’s belonged to England, with Gus Atkinson’s sensational debut setting the tone. England’s bowlers, led by Atkinson and supported by Anderson and Stokes, dismantled the West Indies batting lineup. With a 68-run lead and seven wickets in hand, England are well-positioned to build a commanding total and put further pressure on the visitors in the coming days.

 

FAQ

1. On the opening day, who claimed the most wickets for England?

Gus Atkinson, who claimed seven wickets for 45 runs on his Test debut, grabbed the most wickets for England.

 

2. On the first day, how many wickets did James Anderson take?

With one wicket taken, James Anderson’s career total now stands at 701.

 

3. What was the total score for the West Indies on the opening day?

After 121 runs, the West Indies were bowled out.

 

4. Who was England’s highest scorer on the opening day?

With 76 runs, Zak Crawley led England in scoring.

 

5. At the conclusion of the first day, what is England’s lead?

With a 68-run lead at the close of the day, England concluded at 189/3.