Stokes steals the limelight to outshine Anderson

West Indies bowled out for 123, but England suffer mini collapse

Ben Stokes admitted England’s mini collapse slightly took the shine off a brilliant opening day to the deciding Test against the West Indies at Lord’s.

The Durham all-rounder produced a masterclass in swing bowling as he took six for 22 from 14.3 overs to dismiss the tourists for 123 after they opted to bat first.

But the Windies hit back to take four wickets under the lights before Dawid Malan and Stokes guided their side to 46 for four at the close, still trailing by 77.

Stokes hijacked James Anderson’s headlines, leaving England’s all-time leading wicket-taker tantalisingly poised on 499 after a manic first day at Lord’s.

Anderson was responsible for the first two after the Windies chose to bat first.

But second-change Stokes took over in an irresistible and tireless spell for career-best figures.

There was still time left for the visiting seamers to prove they could also profit in hugely advantageous conditions under a blanket of cloud, as England’s reply faltered alarmingly before ever worsening light brought an early close.

Kemar Roach bagged both England openers caught-behind with more lateral movement, with Tom Westley lbw to one from Jason Holder that nipped up the slope.

Joe Root then put his opposite number on a hat-trick when he flashed a sharp catch to Kieran Powell at slip, before Stokes had to demonstrate his all-rounder status to preclude further drama alongside Dawid Malan.

“We have done extremely well to bowl them out for 123 there,” Stokes told Sky Sports.

“We have lost two wickets which we didn’t want to.

“It is a difficult pitch to play on, swung all day and it seamed around.

“We would have liked to have just the one or two wickets down, but overall we are happy to bowl them out for a relatively low score,” Stokes added.

“It is pleasing to dowel land contributing to bowling them out for a low score,” he said.

His six-wicket haul saw him become just the sixth Englishman to feature on both honours boards at Lord’s.

Meanwhile, Stokes is confident the 35-year-old Anderson will complete the 500-wicket milestone during this match.

“He has got another innings to get it,” Stokes said. “I’m sure he will get it, and what a place to get it – the home of cricket.”

“We have done extremely well to bowl them out for 123. BEN STOKES