England eye bright times with Anderson now master mentor

Emergence of Atkinson and Smith, plus the return of Stokes to the attack, offers real hope for the future

- Ali Martin

A nd so at the end of England's clean sweep of West Indies, the best bowler by way of average and economy rate was ... 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 statistical postscript for a 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.

Instead, Anderson opted to remain out of shot, having quietly slipped into the role of bowling mentor for the last two Tests. Mark Wood credited him for the advice that led to that five-wicket burst of reverse swing on the final day, while Brendon McCullum, the head coach who flew halfway around the world to issue the fabled tap on the shoulder in late April, was impressed with his input.