WATCH: Gus Atkinson picks 7/45 on debut to demolish West Indies during first Test at Lord’s

England pacer Gus Atkinson made a dream start to his Test Debut when he took 7/45 vs West Indies in the first Test at Lords on Wednesday. The right-arm pacer recorded the third best figures by an England bowler on debut. That effort meant that the West Indian side were all out for 121 before the tea session on the opening day, 

It was an emotional moment for the England cricket fans as veteran pacer James Anderson is playing his final Test. The 42-year-old picked just one wicket as he showed his characteristic swing and seam with the ball to trouble the West Indian batters. 

💥 BANG! BANG! BANG! 💥



THREE WICKETS IN FOUR BALLS FROM GUS ATKINSON! 🤩#EnglandCricket | #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/5CtwELJC5V

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 10, 2024

England had already named their playing XI a day before the game with Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson making their debut. The West Indian also gave a debut cap to young opener Mikyle Louis. 

Gus Atkinson leaves West Indies reeling 

The West Indian side made a decent start as their openers added 34 runs for the 1st wicket. Gus Atkinson making his debut then got the wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite for 6 to open the floodgates. 

Few overs later Kirk Mckenzie was out for 1 to leave the visitors at 36/2. From here it was a steady procession of wickets as the West Indians couldn’t handle the pace and hostility by the English pacer. 

Alick Athanaze with 23 and Kavem Hodge with 24 tried to stage a fight back but it was too little and too late. Gus Atkinson was the star bowler as he recorded figures of 7/45 from 12 overs. James Anderson got the last wicket as he dismissed Jayden Seales for 2 to end the West Indian innings. 

Earlier in the day while speaking to SKY Sports, James Anderson named the toughest batter he has bowled to. “Sachin Tendulkar is the best batter I would say” exclaimed the soon to retire bowling great. 

At the time of writing, England were placed at 63/1 in the 14th over with Ben Duckett out for 3. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope had added 34 runs for the 2nd wicket Jayden Seales the only wicket-taker for his side.