England bowler Gus Atkinson is creating ripples in the cricketing world. At 25, this Surrey pacer is turning heads and making headlines. Scheduled from August 30, the T20I series against New Zealand is nearing. Excitingly, Atkinson is poised for his maiden call-up to the England squad.
How did Atkinson grab the spotlight, you ask? The answer lies in this summer’s cricketing saga. Participating in the Hundred, Atkinson represented the Oval Invincibles. Here, he astonished fans by touching speeds of 95mph/153kph. Admittedly, his initial face-off with Manchester Originals was challenging. Jos Buttler’s six and Atkinson’s beamer are still fresh in memory. Yet, resilience defined Atkinson’s approach. In a memorable face-off, he outpaced Buttler with a fierce 94mph delivery. Furthermore, his varied deliveries, especially the 87mph bouncer, flummoxed the experienced Buttler.
Consistency is Atkinson’s hallmark this summer. His pace and variations are not only mesmerizing but also intimidating. In fact, Invincibles’ batsmen now sidestep facing Atkinson in practice sessions. This caution stemmed after Atkinson struck Will Jacks on the elbow. Fortunately, Jacks was declared fit for the match against Welsh Fire.
Now, let’s delve into Atkinson’s national prospects. The T20 Blast showcased his bowling prowess unmistakably. Atkinson clinched 13 wickets with an average of 29.15. Additionally, his economy rate stood at 8.77. These figures significantly propelled Surrey to the semi-finals. Transitioning to the Hundred, his excellence didn’t wane. Over three matches, his combined tally reads: 6 wickets for 72 runs in 54 balls.
Gus Atkinson: Surrey’s Fast Bowling Prodigy Eyeing an England Debut
England’s T20I squad selection is presently under a cloud. Why? Injury concerns plague key fast bowlers like Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Olly Stone. Thus, the door seems wide open for fresh talents like Atkinson. In light of the current scenario, Atkinson’s chances are brighter than ever. But that’s not the end of his prospects. Even if the New Zealand series eludes him, December beckons. The upcoming Caribbean tour might just see Atkinson making his debut. After all, post World Cup 2003, England’s strategy leans towards resting their primary pacemen.
🗣️ "England will be looking at this lad"
Come for Gus Atkinson's extra pace, stay for his slower ball at the end 🔥 #Blast23 #FinalsDay pic.twitter.com/n2LxwprHq9
— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) July 13, 2023
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Atkinson’s rise is not just a streak of luck. It’s a combination of grit, skill, and impeccable performance. England’s cricketing horizon looks promising with the likes of him on the fringe. And as fans, we can only eagerly anticipate his international debut. After all, cricket thrives on fresh talent, and Atkinson is undoubtedly the talk of the town.
