Atkinson bags five wickets on England debut as Windies flounder

LONDON :Fast bowler Gus Atkinson took five wickets on his debut as England reduced West Indies to 88 for six on the opening day of the first test at Lord's on Wednesday, stealing the thunder of James Anderson in his 188th and final test.

In the morning session, Atkinson claimed the wicket of captain Kraigg Brathwaite (6) with his second ball of the day, and dismissed left-hander Kirk McKenzie for one.

After lunch Alick Athanaze (23) and Kavem Hodge began a rebuilding operation, only for Atkinson to remove the former with a ball edged for a comfortable catch to Joe Root in the slips.

With his next ball Atkinson took out Jason Holder (0), back in the touring side's squad after nearly a year away.

Two balls later, Atkinson made it five wickets on his debut, whistling down a rapid delivery which Joshua da Silva (0) got barely a touch on as it went through for a catch to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, leaving West Indies in deep trouble on 88 for six.