Perhaps this was the moment James Anderson felt grateful for retirement.
Now retired from England duty, Anderson could watch from the comfort of the dressing room as his former teammates endured a tough day against Kavem Hodge under the hot sun at Trent Bridge.
West Indies finished day two of the second Test at 351-5, revitalized and competitive in the series, trailing by 65 runs.
In his new role as consultant, Anderson has been coaching Ben Stokes on bowling techniques like the wobble seam and assisting Brendon McCullum with slip catching practice, although not with the precision of his bowling.
Was it inevitable that England would struggle once the Anderson era ended? Did Stokes ever glance towards the pavilion and question his decision? At one point, spectators in the Fox Road Stand chanted Anderson’s name.
England’s reliance on Anderson and Stuart Broad means this is the first home Test in 12 years without either of them. None of the current XI had experienced a home match without at least one of the ‘Branderson’ duo.
Where might this formidable pair have led England on Friday? It’s an unanswerable question, but even two all-time greats would have found it challenging.
Conditions were tough on day two, with little swing or seam movement, unlike the usual English Test pitch. England have often struggled in such conditions, reminiscent of Australian conditions. If England are planning for the Ashes in Australia, this experience was more valuable than an easy win over a less-prepared West Indies team at Lord’s, which would have felt more like an Anderson tribute match.
England’s bowling lineup has undergone significant changes. Since the first Ashes Test last summer, Anderson and Broad have stepped aside, while Ollie Robinson is facing disciplinary issues. Moeen Ali has retired from Test cricket, and Jack Leach, who filled his role, has been overlooked.
While the bowling attack may not exactly be rejuvenated, considering 35-year-old Chris Woakes and 34-year-old Mark Wood are key figures, there are also newer faces like Shoaib Bashir, who only debuted in first-class cricket last June, and Gus Atkinson, England’s new-ball bowler despite limited previous openings for Surrey.
Of this group, Woakes is facing the most scrutiny, especially given his pivotal role in the Ashes and subsequent transformation into the series’ player of the series.
The logical question arises: if Anderson, aged 41, is being phased out due to concerns about making it to Australia, why is Woakes, who is considered a lesser bowler (not meant as an insult, as most bowlers are inferior to Anderson), and who struggles with performances overseas (averaging over 50 compared to 22 at home), now leading England’s new bowling attack?
Stokes declined to answer directly, citing concerns about appearing “ageist,” but acknowledged that all remaining squad members are under consideration for the Ashes tour.
Woakes’ ability to contribute runs at number eight is seen as a significant asset. Although he was omitted from the India tour squad, where England often fielded only one fast bowler in a squad of three, there may be a role for him if five or six bowlers are chosen for Australia. His lower-order batting strength and ability to support bowlers like Wood, Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and potentially Jofra Archer in short bursts, could prove crucial.
Woakes has faced personal challenges, including the loss of his father, and showed resilience in Nottingham by bouncing back from a slower start to claim the important wicket of Hodge late in the day.
Meanwhile, Wood’s express pace has been a standout feature. England would eagerly preserve his form for the upcoming year and ensure he is in prime condition for the journey to Australia. His performance at Trent Bridge was electrifying, marking the fastest bowling ever recorded by an England bowler in a home Test match.
