As England’s path to victory over West Indies in the opening Test became a procession, a few miles away at Wimbledon and a bit more distantly at Euro 2024 other sports provided greater drama and demanded greater attention. And, as always at Lord’s, many let their seats stand empty and relocated to one of the venue’s champagne-themed breakout areas, there were moments when cricket felt perhaps a little incidental.
In this context, the outpouring of gratitude and emotion that followed the game’s conclusion and marked Jimmy Anderson’s retirement was inspiring and reassuring, a reminder of how the game and those who play it are cherished.
