London: England pacer James Anderson’s (7/42) career best figure ensured England series win as the hosts registered a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over the West Indies in the third and final Test at Lord’s here, Saturday.
On his way to his career-best figures in Tests, Anderson became the first England bowler to take 500 Test wickets.
Chasing a 107-run target, the hosts lost Alastair Cook (17). But opener Mark Stoneman (40 n o, 74b, 5×4) and Tom Westly (44 n o, 72b, 7×4) ensured England had no further hiccups and helped them complete the series triumph.
Earlier, West Indies were bundled out for 177, after starting the day three’s play at their overnight score of 93 for three. Anderson was the wrecker-in-chief.
Starting West Indies’ second innings Friday on 499 Test wickets, it took the 35-year-old just 12 deliveries to become only the sixth bowler and third paceman with 500 victims when he bowled Kraigg Brathwaite with a superb inswinger.
Anderson, arms outstretched in celebration, ran down the pitch before being engulfed by his joyful teammates. As a capacity crowd at Lord’s rose to give Anderson a standing ovation, he acknowledged their applause by showing them the ball with which he had made history.
Shai Hope (62, 144b, 9×4) and Kieran Powell (45, 73b, 8×4) were the only Caribbean men to offer some resistance. The others hardly made any impact as the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals to be eventually bowled out for 177.
Brief scores
West Indies 123 and 177 (Shai Hope 62, Kieran Powell 45; James Anderson 7/42) lost to England 194 and 107/1 (Tom Westly 44 n o, Mark Stoneman 40 n o) by nine wickets.
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