James Anderson took the best innings figures of his Test career as England completed a nine-wicket and series-clinching victory against West Indies at Lord’s on Saturday.
Anderson followed up his Friday feat of becoming the first England bowler and only sixth in history to take 500 Test wickets by finishing with a return of seven for 42 in 20.1 overs as West Indies were dismissed for 177 in their second innings on the third day of the third Test.
That left England with a meagre target of 107 and they finished on 107 for one off 28 overs as they took a three-match series 2-1.
Mark Stoneman was 40 not out and Tom Westley 44 not out in an unbroken stand of 72.
Anderson’s return just surpassed his previous best in 129 career Tests of seven for 43 against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in 2008.
It was also the fifth time the 35-year-old Lancashire swing bowler had taken five or more wickets in a Test innings at Lord’s, and after being named England’s man of the series, he acknowledged it had been a memorable week for him.
“Playing a Test match here is always special but this week will live in my memory,” he told the BBC. “My family and friends have been here and to share the moment with guys I have played 100 Tests with is very special.
“I didn’t think I’d play anywhere near as much for England. To do it in a team that is a delight to play in is extra special. We set a target of not going for many runs this morning and we are just delighted with the result.”
Shai Hope, whose twin hundreds were the backbone of West Indies’ series-levelling win at Headingley, top-scored in this innings with 62.
But no other batsman made more than opener Kieran Powell’s 45.
West Indies were 153-6 at lunch, with Hope 60 not out.
But Hope’s fourth ball after the interval saw him undone by a superb Anderson leg-cutter and caught behind.
West Indies’ tail folded cheaply with Anderson, fittingly, ending the innings when he bowled Kemar Roach.
Despite losing the series, Jason Holder, the West Indies captain, was happy with his team’s effort.
“I’m really proud of the guys. I’ve seen a lot of fight which I haven’t seen for a long time. Hopefully we can carry on putting in some good performances.
“In recent series, we’ve won game away from home and we’ve really competed. We’re not too far away from clinching a series win.”
The result completed a successful first summer in the England captaincy for Joe Root, coming after they had beaten South Africa 3-1r, and sets them up for their Ashes tour in Australia in the winter.
Root said: “I’ve loved it. There have been some blips but when you come back from that as well as we have it makes your team stronger and I think that’s what you need ahead of this winter.”
