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England’s cricket squad got back into Test action taking on West Indies in the opening Test on Wednesday. This game held extra significance as it marked James Anderson’s final international match, with the star fast bowler bowing out. England’s previous Test series ended in a 1-4 defeat against India in a five-game contest. Many cricket enthusiasts and pundits thought England’s ‘Bazball’ strategy failed in India exposing its weaknesses. But Steve Harmison, who used to bowl fast for England, reckons the team performed well in India and gave the home side some trouble during the series.
Steve Harmison stated that England played great cricket in India and caused India some real problems. But then, all of a sudden, wickets started falling. That’s the problem – players need to understand the situation better. You can’t expect everything to be perfect. These red-ball players now play much better than before.
He added that India didn’t kill Bazball. They just played smarter cricket at home and made better choices when the pressure was on. But during those five Tests, England gave India trouble, which doesn’t happen often in India.
The crowd roared when Ben Stokes, England’s captain chose to bowl first. Fans couldn’t wait to see Anderson’s final Test match. Anderson has grabbed 700 Test wickets since he first played against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003. No other fast bowler has taken more wickets.
Anderson, who’s 41, gave Atkinson, who’s 26, his England cap before the game started. Jamie Smith, another Surrey player also played his first Test match. Anderson’s daughters rang the five-minute bell in the Pavilion. Then, Anderson led England onto the field. The crowd clapped for a long time.
