Credit: X
England fast bowler Gus Atkinson impress ed on his Test debut against West Indies as he picked up three wickets in an over. Playing at the iconic Lord's in London, the Three Lions won the toss and invited the Windies to bat first. This Test is also special as it will be the last one of fast-bowling great James Anderson, who concludes an illustrious career, especially in the longest format.
Atkinson drew first blood as dismissed the West Indian captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a ripper. He then ran through the Windies' middle-order with a three-wicket over. Bowling the 35th over of the game, Atkinson started by getting out Athanaze before getting out the veteran Jason Holder on a golden duck. After missing out on his hattrick, Atkinson dismissed Joshua Da Silva for a two-ball 0 to complete his five-fer.
The Surrey speedster then claimed two more victims to finish with figures of 7-45 and helped bundle out the Windies at 121. Ahead of the Test, England captain Ben Stokes talked about the debutants Atkinson and wicketkeeper Jami Smith, who picked up one catch.
Stokes said, "Exciting to see someone like Gus (Atkinson) and Jamie (Smith) to come in. Two guys who have a very high ceiling, very very talented. We are always looking to progress as a team. It has been a while since we have been together since that India tour."
"When you have time you have a chance to take a seat back and look at where you want to take the team. I am someone who doesn't want to standstill as a player and now being the leader I want to push the team as far as we can possibly go as well."
