From Denmark to Australia, Mohammad Nabi creates history by becoming first player to win against 46 different teams as Afghanistan bamboozles South Africa
England announce playing XI for James Anderson's farewell Test vs West Indies at Lord's, Bairstow's replacement and KKR pacer to make debut
Ben Stokes and the team management have picked two debutants for veteran pacer James Anderson's farewell Test at Lord's against West Indies.
England Cricket Board (ECB) on July 8 announced the playing XI for James Anderson's farewell Test at Lord's, London. 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith who replaced Jonny Bairstow and fast bowler Gus Atkinson will make their Test debut against the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side.
Ahead of his farewell Test, Anderson revealed that he is trying not to think too much about it and wants to focus on stop himself from crying.
"I’m trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or certainly how I’d feel about it. I’m trying to be as focused as I can. The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well, and get a win. I’m sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying," he said in a press conference.
"I don’t think I’ll be doing anything like Broady did. I’ve hit five sixes in my international career. In 188 games, it’s not looking positive hitting a six this week but I’d love to just be able to contribute somehow this week, whether it’s one wicket. That’s the reason I’ve played cricket for so long, to experience those moments of winning series, winning games, in the dressing room after, sharing a beer with the other guys, knowing that everyone’s worked really hard to achieve that goal. I’d love to be able to sit down at the end of the Test match with a beer with all the lads and have them win the game," added the 41-year-old who has 700 Test wickets to his name.
Two debutant’s first-class numbers
The Surrey-born Jamie has scored 3,434 runs from 59 games at an average of 41.87 including 10 centuries and 14 fifties.
Atkinson, who pulled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after getting picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has played just 19 first-class games. The 26-year-old has 59 wickets at an average of 27.38. He has one-fifer in red-ball cricket so far.
England’s Playing XI for first Test against West Indies
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
WATCH - Andre Russell makes ball disappear, hits Haris Rauf for astronomical 107-meter six
Popular Posts
IND vs BAN 1st Test LIVE streaming: When and where to watch 1st Test between India and Bangladesh
AFG vs SA 1st ODI: Historic moment for Afghanistan, beat South Africa for first time in cricket
Kamindu Mendis surpasses Sunil Gavaskar and equals Pakistan sensation with century against New Zealand
SL vs NZ 1st Test: Kamindu Mendis' century helps Sri Lanka post 302/7 at Stumps Day 1
'Retirement has become a joke..players from other countries': Rohit Sharma takes indirect dig at Pakistan players
Gautam Gambhir reveals Virat Kohli chanted 'Om Namah Shivay' before facing every delivery from pacers during 2014-15 tour of Australia
'Way forward and was truly..': Ricky Ponting reacts to becoming Punjab Kings' new head coach ahead of IPL 2025
Punjab Kings appoint Ricky Ponting as head coach two months after he ends seven-year journey with Delhi Capitals: Report
'I congratulate them for what they did in Pakistan but...': Gautam Gambhir has respect Najmul Hossain Shanto's side but not a shred of fear