England added three quick scalps in the first hour of Day 3 to the six they had taken on Thursday as the team moved within touching distance of an innings victory at Lord’s. The hosts had already earned a 250-run first innings lead and the Windies stood dead in the water at 103/9 when James Anderson was handed the ball for the 44th over, with hopes of bidding farewell to the Test arena with one final blow. What followed was pure cinema courtesy of a packed Lord’s
The right-arm quick steamed with his trademark inswinger to southpaw Gudakesh Motie from around the wicket that angled into the stumps. The tailender meekly pushed at the Duke’s ball but failed to time his attempt as the red cherry popped off his willow and ballooned down the pitch. Anderson, jogging in his follow through, saw the ball come straight at him and raised his left hand in anticipation to pluck the catch but the ball hit his palm square and dropped to the deck much to his frustration. Anderson instinctively sunk to his knees as a loud gasp echoed around the ground but as a wide grin took over the bowler’s face once the humour of the situation dawned on him, the Lord’s crowd reciprocated by cheering their legend on with exaggerated claps and cheers.
Twitterati could not help but become part of the enthralling action as well through their reactions on social media.
Missed it
Fina walk
Whom to pick?
Started and finished there
What a bowler
Great player
Final time
Get updates! Follow us on
