James Anderson drops a simple return catch agaisnt West Indies at Lord's but sees the funny side

Watch: Retiring fast bowler James Anderson dropped a simple catch off his own bowling against West Indies at Lord's, missing a chance to pick up the last wicket of his final Test match.

England had got themselves into a commanding position in the Test match, kicked off by debutant Gus Atkinson's 7-45 in the first innings which helped bowl the visitors out for a paltry 121. Thereafter, they built up a lead of 250 runs by tea on Day 2 thanks to half-centuries from five batters.

England then reduced West Indies to 79-6 by the end of Day 2, coming into Day 3 with a lead of 171 runs. Veteran James Anderson, set for retirement after this match, struck the first blow of the day as he removed Joshua da Silva. Atkinson then accounted for Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph to help England to within one wicket of a crushing innings victory.

The first ball of the innings' 44th over saw Anderson return to the attack. He angled one back into Gudakesh Motie from around the wicket, and the West Indies' No.9 could only chip the ball straight back to the bowler, off the inside half of his bat.

Anderson stuck out his left hand, but appeared to be surprised by how slowly it had returned to him. He ended up putting it down, losing out on the chance to seal victory in his final match. He was able to see the funny side of it though, as he sank to his knees with a wry smile on his face.

It was Atkinson who eventually took the final wicket, dismissing Jayden Seales to finish with 12 wickets in the match and seal victory by an innings and 114 runs.

Watch James Anderson put down a simple return catch against West Indies here

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