England Test great James Anderson produced a gem of a delivery to dismiss West Indies captain Kraigg Braithwaite in the second innings of the first Test on Friday at the Lord’s, London.
Braithwaite was the first wicket to fall on Day 2 of the first Test in the first delivery of the ninth over. Anderson produced an inch-perfect inswinger as the West Indies opener failed to cover his line with the ball hitting the timber. It was the 702nd scalp for the 41-year-old, the highest for any fast bowler in Test cricket.
“Top class from James Anderson. Finally, the good bowlers will find a way through,” remarked Ian Bishop from the commentary box.
Check out the delivery here:
Jimmy Anderson, there are no words 🤯 pic.twitter.com/bBRCS1uykD
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2024
The Englishman later dismissed Alick Athanaze and wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva to take his wicket tally to 704. Thanks to the scalps from Anderson, the visitors were restricted to 79/6 at stumps on Day 2.
Anderson will finish behind spin greats Muthaih Muralidaran (800) and Shane Warne (708) in the wicket tally. He picked up 704 wickets in 188 matches with the best bowling figures of 7/42 and an average of 26.43. He has an economy rate of 2.79 with 32 five-wicket hauls to his name.
In the beginning of Day 3, Anderson received a guard of honour from his teammates for his illustrious 21-year-old career. The hosts won by an innings and 114 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Test is slated to get underway from July 18 at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
