England announce playing XI for James Anderson's farewell Test vs West Indies at Lord's, Bairstow's replacement and KKR pacer to make debut

SportsTak Desk

• Tue • 09 Jul 2024

James Anderson, Joe Root, Shoaib Bashir and Zak Crawley during a practice session (Getty Images)

Highlights:

James Anderson will play his farewell Test against West Indies.

23-year-old Jamie Smith who replaced Jonny Bairstow will make his Test debut.

England Cricket Board (ECB) on July 8 announced the playing XI for James Anderson's farewell Test at Lord's, London. 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith who replaced Jonny Bairstow and fast bowler Gus Atkinson will make their Test debut against the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side.

Ahead of his farewell Test, Anderson revealed that he is trying not to think too much about it and wants to focus on stop himself from crying.

"I’m trying not to think too much about the game itself yet, or certainly how I’d feel about it. I’m trying to be as focused as I can. The big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well, and get a win. I’m sure the emotions during the week will change, but right now that’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying," he said in a press conference.

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"I don’t think I’ll be doing anything like Broady did. I’ve hit five sixes in my international career. In 188 games, it’s not looking positive hitting a six this week but I’d love to just be able to contribute somehow this week, whether it’s one wicket. That’s the reason I’ve played cricket for so long, to experience those moments of winning series, winning games, in the dressing room after, sharing a beer with the other guys, knowing that everyone’s worked really hard to achieve that goal. I’d love to be able to sit down at the end of the Test match with a beer with all the lads and have them win the game," added the 41-year-old who has 700 Test wickets to his name.

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Two debutant’s first-class numbers

The Surrey-born Jamie has scored 3,434 runs from 59 games at an average of 41.87 including 10 centuries and 14 fifties.

Atkinson, who pulled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after getting picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has played just 19 first-class games. The 26-year-old has 59 wickets at an average of 27.38. He has one-fifer in red-ball cricket so far.