Stokes joins elite list as England close on big win in Anderson farewell Test

On the second day of the first Test against England at Lord's, West Indies struggled to 79-6, trailing by 171 runs and facing a likely heavy defeat.

England's first-innings total of 371 was bolstered by half-centuries from Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith.

James Anderson, in his 188th and final Test, bowled West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a superb delivery that swung back sharply.

West Indies' top order faltered as Kirk McKenzie, Mikyle Louis, and Kavem Hodge fell cheaply. A battling partnership between Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder ensured the game extended into a third day. However, Anderson dismissed Athanaze for 22, and Gus Atkinson removed Holder for 20 with the final ball of the day, leaving Joshua Da Silva unbeaten on eight.

England had resumed their innings at 189-3 in the morning. Brook batted aggressively, reaching his 12th fifty in 13 Tests before mistiming a short ball from Alzarri Joseph and being caught by wicketkeeper Da Silva.

Ben Stokes was bowled by Gudakesh Motie for four, and Root reached his 62nd Test fifty before being bowled by another fine delivery from Motie for 68.

Debutant Jamie Smith shared a 52-run partnership with Chris Woakes, who was caught off Jayden Seales for 23. Gus Atkinson, who had taken seven wickets in the West Indies' first innings, fell first ball to Holder. Smith then attacked, hitting two sixes and eight fours, showcasing his potential. Smith remarked on the BBC, "We are close to a perfect position... That wicket from the last ball has given us some momentum."

Shoaib Bashir was run out by a brilliant throw from Louis, and Smith became Seales' fourth victim, caught on the boundary by McKenzie. Anderson, receiving a warm ovation, started his final spell with a maiden and bowled Brathwaite with a classic delivery.

Stokes trapped McKenzie lbw for nought, becoming only the third player to take 200 wickets and score 6,000 runs in Tests, after Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis.

Stokes also had Louis caught by Smith, Atkinson bowled Hodge, and Anderson claimed his 703rd Test wicket by dismissing Athanaze.

Atkinson completed the excellent day for England by having Holder caught by Ollie Pope at short leg. Jayden Seales acknowledged their difficult position, saying, "We are under pressure, it's definitely not an ideal position.