Atkinson’s exceptional performance of seven wickets against West Indies overshadows Anderson’s departure.

Gus Atkinson seized the spotlight from England legend James Anderson’s farewell by claiming a remarkable seven wickets on his Test debut as West Indies crumbled to 121 all out on the opening day at Lord’s.

England then solidified their position, reaching 189-3 by stumps, securing a 68-run lead, with Zak Crawley (76) and Ollie Pope (57) both crafting fluent half-centuries.

The lead-up to this first match of the three-game series had focused on Anderson’s final international appearance, concluding a record-breaking Test career that has amassed 701 wickets, the most by any fast bowler at this level.

However, it was 26-year-old paceman Atkinson who stole the limelight with an exceptional performance of 7-45 in 12 overs, including a triple-wicket maiden.

Atkinson’s figures rank as the second-best by an England bowler on Test debut, behind Dominic Cork’s 7-43 against the West Indies at Lord’s in 1995. Anderson, in contrast, took his only wicket of the innings when he dismissed Jayden Seales lbw to conclude the West Indies’ batting effort.

An ecstatic Atkinson commented to Sky Sports post-play: “It’s been a fantastic day for us to bowl them out for 121 and then secure a lead of 68 runs after day one. There were some nerves this morning, especially being in the Long Room, but having the ball in hand felt good.”

West Indies debutant Mikyle Louis, the first Test cricketer from St Kitts, top-scored with 27 in an innings where only three batsmen reached the twenties.

With just one warm-up match under their belt and inexperienced top-order batsmen, the West Indies struggled after losing the toss in overcast conditions.