Anderson masterminds England triumph

Anderson, who took his 500th Test wicket on Friday, claimed five more on day three as West Indies was bowled out for 177, despite 62 from Shai Hope. Set 107, England was taken to its target by an unbroken stand of 72 between Mark Stoneman and Tom Westley. The 2-1 series win follows a 3-1 success against South Africa. Not only does it extend an unbeaten home record against West Indies that dates back to 1988, but also sends England off on its defence of the Ashes on the back of two Test series wins in Joe Root’s first summer as captain. England plays one Twenty20 and five one-day internationals against the Windies to conclude the home summer before travelling to Australia in October. 

In the end, the low-scoring affair in bowler-friendly conditions has seen England prove itself as the superior team, even if the scarcity of runs has done little to help the host further its search for top-order batsmen.

Opener Stoneman and number five Dawid Malan have probably done enough to ensure their places in an Ashes squad that is due to be announced when the domestic season finishes at the end of September.

Brief scores: West Indies 123 & 177 (K Powell 45, S Hope 62, J Anderson 7/42) lost to England 194 & 107/1 (M Stoneman 40, T Westley 44).