World after Jimmy Anderson becomes clearer for England as attack shows bite | Ali Martin

Return of Ben Stokes as a bowling force, plus the emergence of Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith, gives real hope for future

And so at the end of England’s clean sweep of West Indies, the best bowler by way of average and economy rate was … drum roll … Jimmy Anderson. Yep, despite being shepherded into retirement with that farewell first Test, the GOAT was still top of both columns for the two sides. His four wickets at Lord’s cost 14.5 runs each and his overs 2.17 a pop; a nice little statistical postscript for a truly remarkable career.

Anderson decided against joining his fellow contributors when the Richards-Botham Trophy was presented to Ben Stokes on the outfield at Edgbaston on Sunday. The trophy is a double-ended cup that, depending on whether placed to receive some Caribbean rum or a splash of English ale, denotes the holders. England, having slaked an 18-month thirst for a series win with the 3-0 scoreline, rightly kept the triumphalism to a minimum.