Follow live updates from England vs West Indies
England will face the West Indies in the opening Test of the season at Lord’s, with much anticipation surrounding James Anderson’s impending retirement.
Anderson will play his 188th and last Test for England at the famous cricket ground, and he began the game with a total of 700 wickets, only eight behind Shane Warne. This puts him in second place for the most wickets taken in Test matches.
The West Indies achieved a significant victory over Australia, while England only managed to win one test match against India, ultimately losing in a 4-1 series defeat in challenging conditions.
Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum decided to choose young players instead of experienced ones for the game. They gave Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith their first appearances, but said goodbye to Anderson.
The management of the England cricket team is already looking ahead to the Ashes tournament in a year and a half, and they are looking to give their promising young fast bowlers as many chances as they can to showcase their skills before the series begins.
Stay updated with all the latest updates from today's game by following the live blog below:
England Versus West Indies
Gus Atkinson bowled a medium-length delivery to Alick Athanaze, who confidently stepped forward and drove the ball towards cover. Anderson quickly fielded the ball, allowing the batsmen to take a single run.
England Vs West Indies: A Cricket Showdown
FOUR! Gus Atkinson bowls a length delivery to Alick Athanaze. Athanaze steps forward and drives the ball elegantly past the fielder at deep cover for a boundary. Well-timed shot for 4 runs.
England Versus West Indies
Gus Atkinson bowled a length ball to Alick Athanaze, who defended it on the back foot towards short extra cover. Woakes fielded the ball and no runs were scored.
England Vs West Indies Cricket
Gus Atkinson bowled a medium-length ball to Alick Athanaze. Alick played the ball towards the leg side, using his front foot to defend it. The ball went towards mid off but no runs were scored as it was fielded by Woakes.
England Vs West Indies: A Matchup To Watch
Chris Woakes bowled a delivery that swung away from Kavem Hodge. It was a good length ball that landed outside the off stump. Hodge tried to defend it while stepping forward but missed the ball completely. The ball was then fielded by Smith and no runs were scored.
England Battles West Indies
Chris Woakes bowled a half volley that swung in towards Alick Athanaze. Alick drove the ball on the front foot towards point and managed to score 1 run. The ball was fielded by Duckett.
England Vs West Indies: Cricket Match
Chris Woakes bowled a delivery that swung in towards Alick Athanaze. The ball was pitched at a good length and was outside off stump. Athanaze was on the front foot as he drove the ball back towards the bowler with perfect timing. However, Woakes was quick to save any potential runs, fielding the ball himself. Bashir also backed up the play in the field.
England Vs West Indies: Cricket Showdown
Chris Woakes bowled a ball that swung in towards Alick Athanaze. The ball landed outside the off stump, and Athanaze tried to flick it with the back foot. However, he only managed to hit his pad and the ball went towards short leg, resulting in no runs scored.
England Battles West Indies
Chris Woakes bowled a delivery to Alick Athanaze that was a medium length ball outside the off stump. Athanaze, on the front foot, defended the ball and it was fielded by the silly mid off fielder, resulting in no runs scored.
England Vs West Indies: A Cricket Showdown
Chris Woakes bowls a ball to Alick Athanaze. The ball is just outside the off stump and Alick Athanaze tries to drive it while being on the back foot. The ball goes towards point but no runs are scored as Atkinson saves the run.
