Key occasions
thirty second over: West Indies 82-3 (Athanaze 18, Hodge 23). Woakes around the wicket to the lefty Athanaze now, in response to the 2 boundaries in his earlier over at him. He finds a size quickly sufficient however drifts onto the pads; a straightforward single follows. Back at Hodge, that’s the match-up Woakes would really need, and he beats him with the first ball of the session that’s hooped away from the right-hander. Missed it by a bit.
thirty first over: West Indies 81-3 (Athanaze 17, Hodge 23). Four, 4, 4, SIX – the first 4 scoring pictures since lunch. The latter of the sequence is, dare I say it, positively Caribbean with Kavem hooking Atkinston. Sure, it’s a bit top-edgey – however the majority hooks that go the total journey are, proper? I’m into it. Keep hooking, live completely satisfied.
Sanga has a pair of Ideas Man sunnies on, incomes loads of consideration on-line.
thirtieth over: West Indies 73-3 (Athanaze 16, Hodge 16). Shot of the day from Athanaze? A contender for it, straight driving for 4 previous Woakes’ boots – that’s pleasant. And letting the great instances roll, he goes once more – this time vast of mid-off, the end result the identical. I discussed earlier than that Athanaze is a well-liked participant for a man who hasn’t completed something substantial but for the West Indies however he’s very watchable.
“Hi Adam.” John Starbuck!! You’ve all right here right this moment; loving that as an OBO-occasional nowadays. “I don’t, for once, have a lot to say just now as I’m still recovering from hospital and am therefore sober. But it is good to be back in front of a proper OBO. Well done.”
Nice to be having slightly gallop, I miss this place. I’m additionally doing Saturday arvo.
twenty ninth over: West Indies 65-3 (Athanaze 8, Hodge 16). Intent! Atkinson bangs one in that leaps at Hodge’s chest and he will get inside to swivel it out to lengthy leg for a boundary first ball of the session. He defends the remainder, taking part in himself again in.
Gus Atkinson to Kavem Hodge. Pavilion End. Play.
The gamers are slowly making their manner again on the market…
“Hi Adam.” Hello, Tom Gauterin. Ref right this moment’s OBO, twenty seventh over: ‘which player has had the greatest test career played under only one PM.’
“Turns out there is a hands-down winner. Membership of a club where a PM lasted long enough to enable a player to have a noteworthy career means it’s limited to those who played under Thatcher or Blair. And the only top notch England player who played a full career under either one turns out to be… Marcus Trescothick, whose 76 Tests fell entirely in the Blair years, 2000-2006. 5825 runs at 43.79. A great shame that, because of his much-publicised struggle with depression, he wasn’t able to carry on into the Brown years and disqualify himself.”
That’s a lunch time properly spent, Tom!
Adam Roberts is offended. “Watching bleary-eyed from the Caribbean, but supporting England. Lovely to see the rapturous applause from the Long Room and the daughters ringing the bell but Jimmy’s face just brought up my feelings about this. This is no way to treat your record-breaking bowler and I feel this for two reasons; first personal – I want to see him bowl next week at Trent Bridge when I have tickets; second – give him the summer. ‘Finish your (outstanding) Test career bowling from the Jimmy Anderson End at Old Trafford’ – how hard would that have been? Didn’t Sir Viv say he wanted to finish his career playing for the Windies in the World Cup and they said no, you’re done – there’s the door. Pigheaded and wrong.”
I respectfully disagree however I received’t repeat my causes! Thanks for writing.
“Good day Adam!” Kim Thonger, nice to see you right here. “My good friend Charlie Palmer is at the ground today, greeting old pals warmly in his quaint Yorkshire way. I do not think he will mind me sharing this tale. He once saw 22 wickets fall in a day at a Lord’s Test, but the key claim is that he saw two of them fall while peering through the porthole windows in the urinals in the old Warner stand. He insists that each wicket was on a separate visit, but cannot offer any witnesses to support these assertions. If any spectators remember this and can back him up I’m sure he’d appreciate their support.”
I reckon that’ll be the 21 taken right here in 2000 when the Windies had been on the town.
“Hi Adam.” Dean Kinsella! Great to see all these acquainted names. “Lovely to have test cricket back after the faster rhythms of T20 and euro footer. They were chatting on the tv comms about the management decision to retire Jimmy with a view to settling in the new attack which will be needed in Australia. Much as I am gutted to be losing the player who has given me the most utter joy over the years, it is an example of the excellent managerial decisions since Mr Key took over and in exactly the same way that Portugal’s management of their GOAT isn’t.”
Yep, and it’s not all that both, only a little bit of balanced medium-term considering. It will not be appreciated each day of this summer season however ought to/could be in 12-18 months.
“So good to be watching a proper the test match (albeit only on the television) without all the razzmatazz of the limited over internationals,” says Julia Gordon.
As a lot as I admire short-form cricket, and loved being on Long Island for the World Cup in June, I couldn’t agree with you extra.
“Last time I was at Lord’s captains were Gower and Richards… a wonderful era!”
Gower, I can report, was in high quality kind umpiring final week on the Cricket Writers’ Club match v the Lord’s Tavs at Highgate. I’ve a foot in each camps, captaining CWC final week however taking part in for the Tavs for a lot of the summer season… however completely satisfied CWC had a win.
And a staff to complete? Let’s do it, Mac Millings: “Thank you for the continued sterling work. In case you have an interest, I put collectively an All-time Farewell XI in honour of pricey outdated Jimmy:
Sau-revoir Ganguly
Tara-hul Dravid
‘Arry-vederci Brook
Nasser Hu”Auf Wieder”ssain
Neil Farewell, brother
Sanath Jayasuriya Later, Alligator
Adieu-leep Mendis
Missing You Alfreddy Flintoff
Parting is Peter Such Sweet Sorrow
Tino Best Wishes
Jimmy AnderSoLong.”
That lunch queue was longer than I remembered! Back into it. A selection of your emails coming next; the resumption is about 12 minutes away.
From 34-0 to 44-3. They were the defining 11 overs in the middle of the session but from there, the Windies have made it to the first break without further loss. The hosts will be thrilled that two of the three were from the hand of debutant Atkinson, who dines with excellent figures of 2/2 from five overs. Stokes jagged the other, the top-scorer Louis (27) thanks to a stunner from Brook at third slip. Nothing yet for Jimmy but 0/20 from nine, he’s wanting extra doubtless than not throughout two spells to date.
Right, I’m going to the lunch queue. Back shortly! For now, take heed to a podcast.
LUNCH: West Indies 61-3
twenty eighth over: West Indies 61-3 (Athanaze 8, Hodge 12). Stokes tries a couple of issues to Athanaze within the over earlier than lunch, throwing in an additional slip then going across the wicket, however the left-hander is safely by the interval. Lunch it’s!
twenty seventh over: West Indies 61-3 (Athanaze 8, Hodge 12). Every run hurts Anderson, be it an Athanaze clip for one or a Hodge carve for 4. The latter is from a poor supply, which has been uncommon from Anderson by the session. As they be aware on telly, he’s been fuller since coming again into the assault however this was there to be lower and was – his second 4. He’s on the hip of Hodge to finish the over however Duckett is tucked across the nook to make a diving cease at leg gully – saved at the very least one, presumably a boundary. They’ll get one extra over in however it’ll Stokes somewhat than Bashir to complete the session.
Oh! Turns out I forgot a few PMs, together with Truss – can’t be blamed there. Thanks Alex Gaywood (and others) for correcting: Blair, Brown, Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss, Sunak and Starmer. “Does this lead into a horrendous stats question if which player has had the greatest test career played under only one PM?”
twenty sixth over: West Indies 56-3 (Athanaze 7, Hodge 8). Might we get a have a look at Bashir earlier than the interval? But most likely not with the ball doing sufficient for each Stokes, into his seventh over right here, and Jim. The captain is pushed by cowl for 3 by Athanze however that received’t hassle him an excessive amount of. From there, Hodge is taking part in for lunch.
“The 22nd of May 2003,” begins Alex Gaywood, “a great day for English test debutants. Not only was there Jimmy Anderson who will finish with somewhere between 700 to 717 test wickets, but let’s not forget about Anthony McGrath. With a test batting average of forty and a bowling average of just fourteen surely he must be in the discussion for greatest ever all rounder.”
As a intelligent colleague stated to me the opposite day (so intelligent that I can’t recall who it was), McGrath is the Andrew McDonald of English 2000s cricket.
twenty fifth over: West Indies 53-3 (Athanaze 4, Hodge 8). Good grief, don’t get run out inside ten minutes of lunch, fellas! Anderson, peppering the within a part of Hodge’s bat, will get one to angle the opposite manner and the ball runs behind level – all good. But the operating is chaotic, at first no name then out of the blue a number of. They get again in time.
“What you need in Australia is a settled team,” says Andrew Strauss on TV on the modifications England are making. “You don’t want bowlers who are vulnerable.” Agree with this. As somebody who has been watching Test cricket in Australia each summer season for 30 years, so many proficient however inexperienced quicks have struggled. Getting Tests into bowlers in quite a lot of circumstances isn’t every thing however it’s not nothing. And it can assist them really feel, as Strauss notes, a part of one thing nearer to settled by that time.
twenty fourth over: West Indies 50-3 (Athanaze 3, Hodge 6). Top shot, the most effective of the morning since Louis’ off-drive within the first over, with Hodge lofting over the off-side for 4. Some danger I suppose, however you wouldn’t need it some other manner. 12 minutes till lunch.
“Hi Adam.” Andrew Upritchard, welcome to you. “I also witnessed Jimmy’s international debut at the MCG. I was not even aware of that until you just pointed it out – thank you! I wasn’t on a first date, however, just my first trip to Australia for the Ashes tour. I do remember watching Jimmy in the nets, though. It feels so long ago and a lot has happened since. Jimmy just kept going. An amazing athlete. He will be missed.”
Can timestamp some ways however, by way of world affairs, that worldwide debut was 4 months earlier than the second Iraq War. And has now performed below six PMs.
twenty third over: West Indies 46-3 (Athanaze 3, Hodge 2). Anderson conceded 9 runs in his first over then three from his subsequent six – frugal to the tip. One of these comes through the within edge from the final ball of the over to Hodge, which is an old style inswinger. Not a supply he bowled so much early in his profession however by the interval when he was untouchable, it was simply as efficient as his conventional outswinger. He’s already getting much more motion by the air on this second spell.
Here’s the Brook snaffle. Handy.
twenty second over: West Indies 45-3 (Athanaze 3, Hodge 1). Stokes shifting the ball by the air as he was within the earlier over, that’s what prompted the error and edge – actually good cricket from the captain getting one to carry its line. It’s Kavem Hodge at no5, a person in kind with a ton to his title within the tour match final week. Just two Tests to date however a significant 71 at Brisbane to assist knock off Australia. Different to the 2 males who got here earlier than him, he’s a contact older at 31 so he must take advantage of each alternative. And he’s off the mark first ball with a clip to lengthy leg. Athanaze, does the remainder however it’s nonetheless a profitable over for the house facet who’ve taken three for 10.
“Hi Adam.” Hi Gary Naylor, who I caught up with this morning within the Lord’s lifts! “It’s a curiosity of cricket, but big memories of players are often attached to their secondary skill – Flintoff running out Ponting at The Oval in 2009 is one such. That wouldn’t have mattered had Jimmy and Monty not batted out 37 minutes at Cardiff in the most stomach-clenching circumstances imaginable. I kept waiting for Punter to whistle up Ben Hilfenhaus to bounce them out, but he never did. Had the pair not taken another wicket in their careers, they’d be heroes still.”
Turned out to be an Ashes-defining stand. Underrated collection (attributable to 2005).
WICKET! Louis c Brook b Stokes 27 (West Indies 44-3)
A magnificence! Brook at third slip had a protracted method to go after Stokes discovered Louis’ bat defending, getting beneath it along with his proper fingers. As Nasser says, “a catch that Stokes himself would be proud of… outstanding!” It actually is. Better with every replay.
England’s captain Ben Stokes (R) celebrates with teammates after his dismissal of West Indies batter Mikyle Louis. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images
twenty first over: West Indies 44-2 (Louis 27, Athanaze 3). Jimmy Anderson returns to switch Atkinson on the finish of his spell, given an opportunity at Athanze – how he’s cherished bowling at left-handers from this finish throughout the journey. And positive sufficient, inside three balls he’s beating him within the off-stump channel with a stunning swinging supply. It’s the spotlight of a maiden that ends with Smith diving down leg – tidy work.
twentieth over: West Indies 44-2 (Louis 27, Athanaze 3). Handy little double act this with Atkinson and Stokes giving nothing away since Anderson and Woakes had a blow. This time round, it’s a real inswinger from Stokes that just about ends Louis’ day, simply lacking the off-stump having crushed the within edge. Stokes v1.0 was a fairly excellent swing bowler – his spell right here on the Windies in 2017 was one of the most effective I’ve seen, as was his (largely forgotten) 6fa towards Australia at Notts in 2015. There was a boundary right here earlier, however that was through the within edge and ever so near drama for the person on debut as properly. He must reset now and make it to lunch.
nineteenth over: West Indies 40-2 (Louis 23, Athanaze 3). Another Atkinson maiden – 4 in 5 to start his life as a Test bowler. Imagine the nerves in a single day, figuring out he was taking part in, so many eyes on it being Lord’s and Anderson’s finale and so forth. Half an hour later, he can run in and bowl as confidently as this. Key/McCullum will probably be happy.
“I like a bit of sentiment in sport, Adam.” Me too, Simon McMahon. “There should be more of it, within reason of course. A farewell Test for Jimmy at Lord’s? Yes please. Doubles with brother Jamie on Centre Court for Andy? You bet. One more stage win for Cav in Le Tour? Why not. Tiger wants to play in next years Masters? Go for it. What is sport without emotion anyway?”
That is how my mind is hardwired too. We aren’t meant to be computer systems and cricket isn’t performed on spreadsheets. I genuinely assume they’ve dealt with this properly.
18th over: West Indies 40-2 (Louis 23, Athanaze 3). Stokes constructing into his spell now, discovering a pleasant channel exterior the off stump to Louis who, finally, can’t resist and has slightly dart however it misses the sting and Crawley is the one man interesting. Maiden.
“Enjoying the OBO and wanted to chip in on the Jimmy Anderson memories.” Thanks, Jon Fortune. “It seems odd to say given the number of wickets he’s taken, but I always seem to remember Jimmy being a bowler that didn’t get the wickets his bowling deserved. The number of near unplayable spells, how many times batters played and missed, the wickets he created for others. It feels as if he really earnt the wickets he has got. The figures he ends with, just further testament to his astonishing longevity at the top.”
Occupational hazard for a fast? Then once more, I additionally say that as an off-spinner…
seventeenth over: West Indies 40-2 (Louis 23, Athanaze 3). Gus concedes a run from his nineteenth supply – there we go. A compact drive from Athanaze simply previous Stokes at level for a pair. Atkinson drags the size again a tad later within the over to beat him exterior the off-stump with a ball that wobbles and lands – simply the place he needs to be at that tempo. And some selection to complete too, bringing one again to him by the air. Nice.
sixteenth over: West Indies 38-2 (Louis 23, Athanaze 1). Stokes is throughout Louis, attacking each edges. A slight misdirect brings a leg bye that Smith can’t fairly attain then Athanaze will get his first run with a clip off his hip to maintain the strike.
Nick Donovan’s favorite Jimmy reminiscence: “It has to be day 5 at Trent Bridge in 2013. Jimmy bowling 13 overs on the spin, and despite taking 3 wickets to get Australia 9 down, it looked like Brad Haddin was going to get them over the line. The excitement of each wicket tempered by runs scored. The lunch break delayed, with Stuart Broad taking his boot off mid over to get England off the park, and Jimmy comes back after lunch to finally get Haddin. And that was ELEVEN years ago, almost to the day.”
Anderson was requested about his personal finest second and he cited this Test Match. Turned out it was the start of his best spell as a Test bowler.
Instead of giving a favorite, I’ll provide you with my first! I used to be there for Anderson’s worldwide debut, December 2002, MCG. A one-day worldwide. I took a FIRST DATE* with me that day, to the ‘new’ Bay 13 to be exact. It was the evening everybody remembers for Warne busting his shoulder and ruining his summer season however I took a psychological be aware of the child operating in for England, up towards Hayden and Ponting and Gilchrist operating up an enormous rating. To assume his profession goes again that far.
* Somehow, that lasted for a few years. My spotlight was shopping for a Mark Waugh lifesize cardboard cut-out for a spherical of beers. Still at my mother and father’ place!
fifteenth over: West Indies 36-2 (Louis 23, Athanaze 0). A wicket two balls after drinks, bringing Alick Athanaze to the center – a participant with a particular title who has generated loads of hype in his transient worldwide profession. Granted, his output to date doesn’t justify that hype however there’s one thing about him, and all that. Another southpaw, the 25-year-old leaves, defends then edges – however with tender sufficient palms. A wicket maiden and the most effective of Atkinson’s three overs to date. Two wickets and no runs conceded for him… anybody care to seek out out for me essentially the most variety of wickets for a bowler in a Test earlier than coughing up a run? There’ll be a database someplace, proper?
They’re firing up the hover cowl beneath me. No rain but however all of the lights are on and it looks like we could be getting some dangerous climate. But for now, play continues.
WICKET! McKenzie c Crawley b Atkinson 1 (West Indies 36-2)
That’s a stunning wicket for Atkinson; his second in three overs. On the center stump line throughout the left-handed McKenzie, there’s simply sufficient motion to clip the sting when driving, flying to Crawley at second slip who seldom places them down.
A few emails whereas they drink…
“Hi Adam.” Hi, Chris Roberts. “If the England management think Jimmy isn’t good enough anymore then fair enough, but otherwise why wouldn’t you keep picking him for 2 or 3 games per series? He doesn’t need to play every game, it would benefit to keep him fresh when he does play and this would still allow others a chance.”
The easy method to clarify that’s the spot he occupies when taking part in is one that might in any other case be invested in Atkinson/Pennington/Potts (and others) as they construct the assault for the following era. It is extra about them than Jimmy at this level.
Lovely to see Pete Salmon within the inbox too: “Just spending a little time pondering the fact that England’s wicket keeper in Jimmy’s first test was the now 61-year-old Alec Stewart, who recently retired after a long post-playing career in cricket admin…”
I’ll go one higher than that. Jimmy made his List A debut in May 2000 towards Derek Randall, who made his professional debut in 1971 and is now 73. My fave Jim stat!
14th over: West Indies 36-1 (Louis 23, McKenzie 1). “A change of bowling at the Nursery End, the England captain, Ben Stokes.” Here he’s, then. We’ve all seen the clips of him wanting red-hot for Durham, can he slip straight into that groove? The bounce is noticable instantly, hitting the splice of McKenzie. The wider ball is performed at and missed, however the straight one is properly dealt with with a single to cowl; his first Test run in England. And that’ll be drinks! All instructed, a quiet hour at HQ.
thirteenth over: West Indies 35-1 (Louis 23, McKenzie 0). Why Atkinson forward of others with maybe a decrease bowling common or extra baggage of wickets on the degree beneath? A mix of his lovely motion and real tempo – two issues that go a great distance. He regarded the products instantly as a limited-overs operator for England final summer season and this debut has been a very long time coming. Indeed, he was the one member of the touring squad in India to not get a go earlier this yr (from reminiscence!). He’s up in direction of 90mph a couple of of instances right here at Louis, discovering an inside edge at one stage and a thigh pad on one other. Already a great contest between the brand new males.
twelfth over: West Indies 35-1 (Louis 23, McKenzie 0). McKenzie’s transient Test profession has been a stable one, registering scores of fifty, 25, 21 and 41 towards Australia in a low-scoring collection in February – one other 23-year-old they’re investing in early. The essential function of his play in these matches was his driving by the luxurious facet and that’s what he’s already seeking to do right here, albeit straight to mid-off twice.
ANOTHER? LOUIS GIVEN OUT CAUGHT BEHIND… BUT OVERTURNED. It received’t be Chris Woakes’ a hundred and fiftieth Test scalp. It positive regarded it because the England gamers went up as one, the most effective ball of the day so removed from Woakes to Louis. Up went the finger however the evaluation adopted and there’s no line on the snicko machine, in order that’s that.
eleventh over: West Indies 34-1 (Louis 22, McKenzie 0). Kirk McKenzie in at three, the left-hander not having an enormous quantity to fret about as Atkinson finds his groove once more after getting the breakthrough It isn’t an enormous membership of bowlers to do it with their first ball (Arty Conningham’s is a rare life/household story to lookup for those who get an opportunity), and Atkinson doesn’t be part of it, after all, however what a aid for the Surrey fast getting that out of the best way instantly. He has so much to supply, make no mistake.
WICKET! Brathwaite b Atkinson 6. West Indies 34-1
Gus Atkinson will get a wicket along with his second ball in Test cricket! Well vast of the stumps, the Windies captain has a dart at a drive, however no footwork to talk of and it slams again on to his off-stump. Extra tempo, 88mph, into the guide. Easy recreation!
tenth over: West Indies 34-0 (Brathwaite 6, Louis 22) Well have a look at that… SIX RUNS! Louis sees a Woakes ball exterior the leg stump and full sufficient to flick so flick he does, all the best way into the Grandstand. Woakes responds as you’ll count on him to although, going previous his exterior edge with one other good’un. “We’re just starting to see some movement,” says Stuart Broad on telly, noting that with the Dukes ball it may well do much more after the first ten overs. Nevertheless, we’re seeing a bowling change…
ninth over: West Indies 28-0 (Brathwaite 6, Louis 16) Anderson’s busiest over but. He offers a tempter to Louis, who performs and misses – what number of of these have caught the sting throughout the final 21 years? It occurs once more from the following ball, albeit one that’s a extra standard first-hour-play-and-miss. Then he goes to work with balls coming again in direction of the woodwork, an inside edge saving the opener – so near a full-blooded attraction for leg earlier than however to not be. And an edge to complete, spitting by fifth slip. Anderson will probably be each buoyed and annoyed, zeroing in on the prize.
eighth over: West Indies 27-0 (Brathwaite 6, Louis 15) No actual dramas but for the Windies openers aside from a few performs and misses, Louis pushing one to mid-off then Brathwaite taking part in in that route as properly for a pair. Woakes builds into it although, resulting in an absolute magnificence to complete – how has that missed Brathwaite’s edge?
“Good Morning Adam, good morning all.” Good morning, Em Jackson (I’m for reeeeal). Niche there from me there however a few of you’ll admire the sentiment. “Like so many around the World, I’m in awe of a certain James “Jimmy” Anderson and people stats (and as somebody over 40, his stats from being 35 to this point, doing it for the older participant…. In the identical manner as a glasses wearer, Daniel Vettori & Jack Leach did it for us too!) however I’m additionally going to be “that person” – if Anderson was good to play this collection, he ought to be taking part in the entire collection. If he wasn’t adequate to play the entire collection, he shouldn’t be allowed a valedictory Test at Lords.”
That would be the view of lots of people and I respect it. But I additionally assume they’ve defined this properly. Does he warrant a spot right this moment, towards the Windies, at dwelling? Sure. Does that imply it’s the proper factor to choose him all summer season forward of different gamers who additionally warrant a spot this summer season however with extra to supply later? That’s the framework.
seventh over: West Indies 24-0 (Brathwaite 4, Louis 14) Ooohhh down the slope now, Anderson has it wobbling the opposite manner from that nagging size and Brathwaite leaves – it’s the proper name however solely simply, and Jimmy is aware of it. Earlier within the over, a few singles from extra a leg-stump line – but to see one correctly hoop from that finish. As Jimmy defined in his BBC interview yesterday although, he doesn’t get frightened when the ball doesn’t swing conventionally as he is aware of he has an enormous bag of tips he can dig into. So far then, it’s the wobble seam for him this morning.
sixth over: West Indies 22-0 (Brathwaite 4, Louis 13) Louis is defending and leaving then fishing at Woakes. But when he will get an opportunity to attain later within the over, he places away a brief/vast one with full ease, lower to the rope in entrance of Father Time.
Will Padmore helps the Anderson resolution. “Jimmy’s stats have dropped off since the follow on in the second test against New Zealand. Pre the follow on in that test Anderson had 45 wickets at 15.9 under McCullum and Stokes. Since then, 15 wickets at 55.9, and he has only taken more than 2 wickets in an innings once (the second India test). I have sympathy for whoever replaces Anderson in the short term, the chances are that they will outperform Jimmy’s recent returns but be judged against a larger body of work that I don’t think Anderson is capable of anymore.”
I don’t assume cricket groups ought to be picked on runs divided by wickets, it’s extra nuanced than that, however I nonetheless assume this has been dealt with properly… on stability.
fifth over: West Indies 18-0 (Brathwaite 4, Louis 9) Oooh sure Jimmy, that’s his hall – simply wanting a size, Brathwaite goes again on that foundation, the wobble-seam does its factor and passes the sting. And he does it once more – two on the trot. That’ll really feel good.
Nice Moeen Ali column right here about taking part in with Anderson:
Jimmy at all times had this fame for being grumpy and as a newcomer, who had watched him on the tv rising up, I used to be slightly bit intimidated earlier than we met; not scared however a bit uncertain of what he could be like. But proper from day one, even having performed with so many gamers by this stage and been so shut with Graeme Swann, who I had come into the facet for, he was actually good with me.
4th over: West Indies 17-0 (Brathwaite 4, Louis 9) Woakes will get one to return again off the seam to start out his second over and it crashes into Louis’ entrance pad – the attraction is there however no actual consideration of a evaluation after Umpire Menon turns it down. The man on debut handles the following ball properly, pushes out to level for one. Ooh, a magnificence follows – Brathwaite squared up a deal with, the first ball to beat the bat. He can’t make it two within the row, sliding properly down leg, however it’s an opportunity for Smith to point out his abilities with a diving cease to take along with his left glove alone – that’ll be good for his nerves.
third over: West Indies 16-0 (Brathwaite 4, Louis 8) Anderson to Brathwaite and that is what we’re used to: dot after dot, items query after good query. Maiden.
“Morning Adam.” And to you, Iain McCulloch. “As a birthday surprise my wife took me to Lord’s for the second day of the 2018 Lord’s test (Ollie Pope’s debut) against India. First time to Lord’s, had a lovely wander around the old place and then took our seats at the Nursery End – on cue Jimmy bowls Murali Vijay neck-and-crop fifth ball with a delicious outswinger. Can picture it now as clearly as if I was there – a moment of high art. Thanks for the ridiculous amount of memories, Jimmy, sad that there won’t be more.”
I used to be requested throughout the week the most effective I’ve ever seen Jimmy bowl and cited that innings. On a spicy monitor and beneficial overhead circumstances, for positive. But you’ve nonetheless obtained to do the factor and he did it in fashion – borderline unplayable all through.
2nd over: West Indies 16-0 (Brathwaite 4, Louis 8) Chris Woakes to run away from us on the Nursery End. Not his best begin, a pair on supply for Brathwaite on his pads then 4 leg byes when wider nonetheless of the leg stump, kissing the pad on path to the rope in entrance of the away dressing room. No swing to talk of both.
“Morning, Adam.” What’s the purpose of Chris Woakes? Not generally (he’s a stunning individual and an excellent cricketer), however what’s the purpose in England having him within the squad for this collection? They’re pushing James Anderson out early particularly to offer as a lot Test expertise as doable to new bowlers for subsequent yr’s Ashes. But Chris Woakes is a recognized amount, with loads of expertise, and with the most effective will on the earth could be very unlikely to win the Ashes for England in Australia. Shouldn’t his place be given to any individual new?”
Spoke about this in some depth with Geoff final evening, however to attempt to seize that sentiment in a sentence: they nonetheless need to beat India at dwelling subsequent yr and Woakes is forward of Anderson within the pecking order after what he achieved within the Ashes. I feel that’s an inexpensive, balanced method to what they’re attempting to do. Not straightforward.
1st over: West Indies 9-0 (Brathwaite 1, Louis 8). First ball of the Test, any nerves for Anderson? It doesn’t present if there’s, the outswinger he’s bowled 1,000,000 instances earlier than, properly landed and properly performed by the Windies’ captain who locations him ahead of level for one. Mikyle Louis now, to face his first ball in Tests, and defends competently. A thick edge follows, vast of third slip – away for 4. He’s away. And 4 extra with a stunning off drive! He doesn’t transfer a muscle, seems most organised. So, 9 of the first over – that hasn’t occurred to him fairly often over time.
Anderson at Lord’s? This is his twenty ninth Test Match right here! Only Angelo Mathews has performed as many matches at one venue (Galle). His file tally on the floor is 119, six forward of Broad – first and second by a road; how he would love so as to add a stack extra to that on the best way out. A reminder that he’s eight away from Shane Warne’s 708.
The gamers are prepared. Jimmy has the ball; Brathwaite waits for him. PLAY!
More Jimmy because the anthems ring out, Rally adopted by GSTK.
“Morning Adam, here we are.” Hello, Guy Hornsby. “A day of excitement tinged with real sadness. I was 28 when he first played for England. I was sad when Broad retired but I was there too, and it felt like just the end of the pairing only. I never warmed to him like I did with Jimmy until much later on in his career either. There are many players I’ve truly loved – Flintoff, Jones, Butch, Atherton, Hussain, DeFreitas, Malcolm, Small , Cook – but I was with Jimmy from his ODI against Australia at the start. No one else has meant so much or played for so long. I’m so glad I’ve got to see him play for England many times, and luckily got to meet him too. But I’m not ready for this. I’m definitely not ready for him to not play for Lancs.”
Suspect, per Jimmy yesterday, this could be his final recreation full-stop. We’ll see.
“Lamine Yamal was not even conceived when Jimmy made his debut,” provides Krishnamoorthy. “Let that sink in.” How about… he’d been taking part in worldwide cricket for 5 years by the point he was born in 2007? A variety of that this week!
“Morning Adam.” Hi Simon McMahon. “Much like Andy Murray at Wimbledon, James Anderson has been part of the fabric of British sporting summers for the majority of the 21st century. A true champion, but also one who is about so much more than the bare statistics. Jimmy, like Andy, represented all that is good about sport. Incredible talent allied with hard work and dedication for sure, but also modesty, humour, and basic human decency. Favourite memories? I was at Old Trafford when James Anderson came on to bowl from the newly named James Anderson end for the first time, against South Africa (and took a wicket in his first over I think). And, in another Murray comparison, his teary eyed interview after Alistair Cook retired from Test cricket gets me every time.”
Lovely stuff. I’ll add a few my very own reminiscences although the morning.
And right here’s the abroad TMS hyperlink for these desirous to get round geoblocks, and so on.
Jimmy’s daughters ring the bell collectively. His nostril scrunched up as he tried to cover again the emotion – how does that not get to you? Special moments right here at Lord’s.
An additional montage, this time the ECB’s with Nasser voicing it. They are taking part in it on the massive display screen because the England gamers wait on the prime of the race in entrance of the lengthy room, Jimmy half-watching (however paying consideration), all eyes on him within the members.
And with that full, the gamers have now made their method to line up for anthems.
“To be (incredibly) tedious,” says Rob Little, “someone on twitter pointed out last night that Joey Benjamin, born in St Kitts, played for England – this make Mikyle Louis the first man from St Kitts to play a test for the West Indies, I believe?”
Good choose up!
Jamie Smith is on Sky now with Athers. He’s a really mature and measured younger fella and can have a job to do instantly with the gloves. He’s requested about his wicketkeeping. “I’ve worked a lot with Ben Foakes and Alec Stewart and I’ve always had that at the top of my mind when the opportunities arise to ‘keep for Surrey.”
As I stated off the highest, Smith at No7 isn’t excellent – ideally, there could be a emptiness within the prime six for a batter clearly prepared for this subsequent step. In the absence of that, that is the spot. It’s essential to emphasize he isn’t a part-timer – he has taken the gloves in a 3rd of the First Class video games he has performed and most of his white-ball outings too.
Love the openers on days like right this moment. Here’s Sky Cricket’s – a beaut.
“My favourite Jimmy memory,” emails Richard O’Hagan, “is the time that he almost killed me. It was 23 August 2009, the day that England won back the Ashes (I am sure you remember). I had a seat on the bottom of the stand at the Vauxhall End of the Oval and was talking to friends as the England team warmed up in front of us. At one point Jimmy fired in an errant throw and, because I was talking to friends, I didn’t hear Graeme Swann’s shout of warning. The first I knew of the danger was when the ball whistled past my left ear. I know that there are a thousand batters out there who must’ve experienced something similar, but at least they were expecting it.”
An fascinating opening! And a worthy subject: let’s speak Jimmy reminiscences. Ping them in.
An enormous morning for Mikyle Louis. The man on debut is the first cricketer from St Kitts to play a Test Match. What do we all know? Not so much. The 23-year-old right-handed has performed seven instances for Leeward Islands and was in nice nick in direction of the tip of the home season to get on this journey with a ton and some 50s in his final three hits. Then final week, towards the County Select XI, he made an additional half-century. Today, he’ll stroll out at Lord’s alongside his captain to face JM Anderson with the Dukes.
The groups as named yesterday and confirmed on the toss.
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
Stokes speaks on the toss. “It’s really exciting for Gus and Jamie coming in. They both have high ceilings and have earned their spot in this team. We are always looking to progress as a team. It’s been a while since we were together in India and we’ve taken a look at where we want to take it and push it as far as we can go.”
On Jimmy: “We can expect complete heart, desire and passion to win.” Simple.
Kraigg Brathwaite’s flip. Says they might’ve bowled too. “It’s important batting first at Lord’s and we have to believe. You have to believe to achieve. Think big.”
Ben Stokes wins the toss, England are bowling first
The crowd roars (by Lord’s requirements).
Forget what I stated about it being muggy. That was an impression gained, I realise now, from a peak-hour tube journey. I simply went out to the balcony in entrance of the press field and it’s chilly, blustery, and darkish. Forget about how the pitch seems – it’s at all times the identical right here for a Test Match – it’s the overheads that make this bowl first, all day.
Looking for some pre-Test listening, by the best way? On The Final Word pod that I host with Geoff Lemon, additionally of this parish, we had Jimmy’s nice mate Greg James on a couple of weeks in the past. He was glorious in telling the story of the Anderson from past the boundary, the one we don’t know that properly regardless of 20+ years within the public eye.
Preamble
Adam Collins
“It’s a privilege to do this one last time.” It’s James Anderson Week at Lord’s, because the all-time nice bows out this week after 188 Test Matches and 700-and-something Test wickets. The actual privilege is sitting right here on the Nursery End, ideally to observe him take the brand new ball this morning. That’s what both captain will certainly do if the coin falls their manner for it’s muggy on the market. But after days of rain, it’s meant to remain away.
Of course, there’s extra to this week than Jimmy alone. For starters, the hosts have two males on debut – Jamie Smith behind the stumps and Gus Atkinson to bowl as quick as he can. As Ben Stokes stated fairly clearly at his press convention yesterday, what we’re seeing along with his staff this yr is a transition to arrange for Australia. Sure, they need to win what’s in entrance of them, however they’re medium-term planning as properly.
Those feedback have prompted a little bit of anger on the world vast internet, however I feel they’ve gotten this proper. The solely method to construct for a future collection is to make use of the present matches – there’s no intelligent in-between possibility. If they need Smith and Atkinson (and Pennington and Potts) to be battle-hardened Test gamers by the point India rock up right here in 12 months time, after which for the Australian tour that follows, that is the time to place within the groundwork. It isn’t excellent, however choice seldom is. Time will inform.
As for the West Indies, for all of the doom and gloom concerning the route of journey with their Test cricket, don’t neglect they knocked off Australia on the Gabba in stirring fashion again in February, their most up-to-date begin. The man who made that doable was Sharmar Joseph, who snared 7/68 on a magical Brisbane afternoon. We ought to be so fortunate for the guests, below veteran Kraigg Brathwaite, to carry out simply as properly over the following three weeks. I’ll run by their staff in a bit extra element as we go.
Right, let’s depart it there in the intervening time. As at all times, you may attain me through e-mail or on the artist previously referred to as twitter. We are about quarter-hour away from the toss.