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James Anderson missed out on a guard of honour in his final Test innings at Lord’s after the West Indies’ plan to pay tribute to their opponent at Lord’s ended with them celebrating “all the way down to Swiss Cottage”.
Anderson padded up for what is surely the last time on Thursday – with the tourists ending day two 171 behind and with only four wickets in hand to make England bat again – and received a huge ovation from a sellout crowd.
The opposition had also intended to show their respect for the 41-year-old on the occasion of his 188th and farewell appearance but accidentally missed their mark.
Anderson was brought to the crease by a brilliant run out from Mikyle Louis, who unleashed an outstanding direct hit to see off Shoaib Bashir, with the fielder leading his side in a joyous celebration.
By the time Anderson emerged from the Long Room, Louis was basking in the moment with his brother Jeremiah – who did not make the XI for this match – and the rest of his team-mates at the far corner of the pitch.
Jason Holder did manage to meet Anderson in time to offer a handshake but seamer Jayden Seales admitted a more formal show had been on the agenda.
“We spoke about it before he came out to bat, that we were going to give him a guard of honour,” said Seales.
“Obviously the run out took us all the way down to Swiss Cottage, so it was pretty hard to do the guard of honour for the great man. Luckily Jason caught up with him.”
Having started chaotically, Anderson’s last innings ended without even facing a ball.
With the entire sellout crowd, and no doubt the entire dressing room, waiting with baited breath for a swansong rendition of Anderson’s trademark reverse sweep he found himself stranded at the non-striker’s end as debutant Jamie Smith was last man out for an impressive 70.
“I think the biggest missed opportunity was not seeing Jimmy face one off their left-arm spinner,” Smith said.
“That’s the one regret about my innings. I’m a bit disappointed I couldn’t hit one more six to allow him his moment. It’s been an honour play alongside him in my first game. Everyone will miss him when he goes.
“If we’re in a position where he has to bat in the second innings I’d be a bit worried, so hopefully he can get wickets with the ball instead.”
Anderson, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson all took two wickets apiece as the West Indies limped to 79 for six on the back of 121 all out on day one.
None of their batters showed the verve and certainty of Smith on his maiden innings at this level, which included eight fours, two sixes and one huge pull that cleared the roof of the Tavern Stand.
“I always like to be aggressive, that’s the way I want to play my cricket – on the front foot,” he said.
“I’ve maybe gone away from the traditionalist’s advice at times but I’ve just gone on what I feel is the best way for me to score runs. I’ve been really excited to prove I was good enough and belong at this level.”
