ENG vs WI 2024: Jayden Seales reveals how run-out celebration spoilt West Indies’ guard of honour plans for James Anderson

Jayden Seales. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales revealed how Mikyle Louis’ direct hit to dismiss Shaoib Bashir ruined their plan to give a guard of honour to James Anderson in his final Test. The legendary pacer walked out to bat potentially for the final time on Day 2 at Lord’s when the incident occurred.

Debutant Jamie Smith hit the ball to deep cover but Louis couldn’t pick up the catch. However, he collected the ball and executed a rocket throw at the non-striker’s end to send Bashir packing. He was well short of his crease as West Indies players were in delight, given how difficult the day had been for them with the ball.

Amid the celebration, the visitors forgot to pay the guard of honour to Anderson. After the end of the day’s play, Seales opened up on the incident and added that Jason Holder later caught up with him on behalf of the team.

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“We spoke about it before he came out to bat, that we were going to give him a guard of honour. Obviously the run out took us all the way down to Swiss Cottage, so it was pretty hard to do the guard of honour for the great man. Luckily, Jason caught up with him,” Seales said during the press conference after Day 2.

Jamie Smith regrets not having Anderson a ball to face

Keeper-batter Jamie Smith was disappointed for not being able to give Anderson a ball to face in his final Test appearance. He, however, called it his honour to play alongside the pacer in his first Test and added that the team will miss him a lot from the second Test against West Indies.

“I think the biggest missed opportunity was not seeing Jimmy face one of their left-arm spinner. That’s the one regret about my innings. I’m a bit disappointed I couldn’t hit one more six to allow him his moment. It’s been an honour to play alongside him in my first game. Everyone will miss him when he goes. If we’re in a position where he has to bat in the second innings, I’d be a bit worried, so hopefully, he can get wickets with the ball instead,” Smith said at the end of the day’s play.