West Indies struggled to 79-6 at the end of the second day in the first test against England at Lord's on Thursday, trailing by 171 runs and facing a likely heavy defeat. England's first-innings total of 371 was boosted by half-centuries from Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith. James Anderson, in his 188th and final test match, bowled Windies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a fine delivery. West Indies' Kirk McKenzie, Mikyle Louis, and Kavem Hodge were dismissed cheaply, and only a resilient partnership between Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder ensured the match progressed to a third day.

Anderson removed Athanaze for 22, and Gus Atkinson caught Holder for 20 with the last ball of the day, leaving Joshua Da Silva unbeaten on eight. England resumed at 189-3 and Brook aggressively reached his 12th fifty in 13 tests before being caught off a short ball from Alzarri Joseph. Ben Stokes was bowled by Gudakesh Motie for four, while Root comfortably reached his 62nd test fifty before being dismissed for 68 by Motie.

Jamie Smith, 23 and making his test debut, partnered with Chris Woakes in a 52-run stand before Woakes was caught for 23. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who took seven West Indies wickets on debut, was dismissed first ball by Holder. Smith aggressively scored two sixes and eight fours, showcasing his potential.

Smith expressed satisfaction with England's position, emphasizing the team's strong start to the summer. He reflected on his debut, cherishing the support from his teammates. Shoaib Bashir was run out by a superb throw from Louis, and Smith was caught at mid-wicket by McKenzie.

Anderson, possibly in his final test innings, did not face a ball but received a warm ovation. He began his last opening spell with a maiden and delivered a classic ball to dismiss Brathwaite. Stokes trapped McKenzie lbw for nought, achieving a rare double of 200 wickets and 6,000 runs in tests. The captain also caught Louis and bowled Hodge, while Anderson dismissed Athanaze, his 703rd test wicket, before Atkinson caught Holder to conclude a successful day for England.

Seales acknowledged the pressure on West Indies, emphasizing the need to learn from their mistakes and move forward.