Gus Atkinson Takes the Spotlight from Anderson

At Lord's, the first Test against the West Indies was a debut for England's Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith. For James Anderson, it marked his final Test. While Anderson didn't dominate at the start of his last Test, Gus Atkinson made an immediate impact in his debut.

On July 10, Atkinson claimed 7 wickets in his debut Test innings. James Anderson, Chris Woakes, and Ben Stokes each took 1 wicket. As a result, West Indies, having lost the toss and batted first, were bowled out for just 121 runs in 41.4 overs.

By the end of the first day, England had scored 189 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, securing a lead of 68 runs with 7 wickets in hand.

West Indies struggled from the beginning, starting with Craig Brathwaite being bowled out for 6 runs by Atkinson. No batter managed to reach 30 runs. The highest score was 27 by opener Mikhail Lewis. Allick Athanaze (23) and Kavem Hodge (24) were the only others to cross 20 runs.

Atkinson made his debut memorable by bowling 12 overs, including 5 maidens, and taking 7 wickets. In the penultimate innings of his Test career, Anderson bowled 10.4 overs and took the final wicket of the West Indies innings.

England's start with the bat was shaky, with Ben Duckett getting out for 3 runs. However, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope formed a 94-run partnership, ensuring England's lead. Pope was dismissed for 57 runs, and Crawley for 76.

Joe Root, unbeaten on 15, and Harry Brook, unbeaten on 25, will begin the second day with England ahead by 68 runs.