Atkinson can shape England’s post-Anderson era: Root

LONDON: Joe Root has backed Gus Atkinson to play a key role in shaping England´s fast-bowling attack following Jimmy Anderson´s emotional farewell at Lord´s. Anderson played his final Test for England after a glittering career that featured 704 wickets in the five-day format -- more than any other quick in history.

England batsman Root labelled Anderson “our greatest ever bowler”, but the 41-year-old´s exit in the aftermath of Friday´s innings and 114-run rout of the West Indies in the first Test provides opportunities for a new generation to emerge.

Atkinson´s remarkable Test debut against the West Indies, in which he surpassed Anderson´s career-best match figures with 12 for 106, has made the transition look less daunting for Ben Stokes´ side.

“I think the future does look very bright in the bowling department. We´ve lost our greatest-ever bowler, but for Gus to come in and do that shows a lot about where we are as a team. We are moving in the right direction,” Root said.

England will face the West Indies in two more Tests and then host Sri Lanka in a three-match series later in the summer. But Root is already looking ahead to the next Ashes clash with Australia, which is scheduled for late 2025 into 2026.