11.00 Kick off...
Gonna been emotional
Gonna been emotional
Athletes and players become major characters in our existence. Heroes, influencers and comforters. For more than two decades, James Anderson hasn't just been England's guardian of the new ball, but a constant presence at the top of British sport and, therefore, our collective being.
Corrected for youEngland: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Sir James Anderson.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Joshua da Silva (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.
After his 7 for last week, have England shot themselves in the foot by calling time on him when he still feels in top form?
All for blooding the youngsters ahead of the Ashes, but with Broad gone then perhaps having Jimmy on the pitch guiding them and doing his thing all summer may have been wise.
Anyway, hope he picks up a few and pushes towards Warne number of wickets.
I feel a bit like this.ICC ranked #8 test bowler. Doesn't want to retire. Should have had the summer.