England's win over West Indies in the first Test at Lord's has given them a boost in the standings for the 2023-25 World Test Championship, the final of which is set to take place at this very venue, roughly a year from now.
In the first match of the English home summer, England said goodbye to veteran James Anderson in style, as they secured a crushing victory over West Indies inside three days' time.
Debutant Gus Atkinson starred with the ball on Day 1, as he took 7-45 to bowl the visitors out for just 121. Fifties from five English batters, including Jamie Smith's 70 on debut then helped them build up a 250-run lead before reducing West Indies to 79-6 by the end of Day 2.
On Day 3, the match was over quickly as England wrapped up the West Indian tail to secure an innings victory. Atkinson picked another five-for, ending with match-figures of 12-106. Anderson, meanwhile, took 3-32 in his last Test innings.
Ben Stokes joined an elusive list of Test all-rounders who have achieved the double of 6,000 runs and 200 wickets.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 12, 2024
Read all about his feat here: https://t.co/4CubtBzEBL | #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/RD644tKdlm
Latest WTC points table: England improve their points PCT
This was England's 11th match of the current World Test Championship cycle, following the home Ashes series against Australia in 2023 and their tour of India earlier this year. Prior to this result, they had secured three wins and a draw for a total of 40 points from 120 available. However, a total of 19 points deducted for slow over-rates across these matches meant they were firmly rooted the the bottom of the table.
This win has given them a boost in the standings. With 33 points out of 132, England have now taken 25% of points available to them, level with South Africa and Bangladesh who sat third- and second-bottom respectively.
Read more: How England can still make the 2025 World Test Championship final
Two more wins in the next two games of the series against the West Indies will see England rise to a points PCT of 36.53, while West Indies will drop down to a points PCT of 19.04. This will ensure England end up at the sixth spot at the end of the series, while West Indies will be pushed down to the absolute bottom.
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