In a spectacular show of all-round cricket, Gus Atkinson emerged because the hero on Day 2 of the second Take a look at between England and Sri Lanka within the ongoing Sri Lanka tour of England 2024. The younger all-rounder, enjoying a pivotal position within the absence of Ben Stokes, delivered a stellar efficiency with each the bat and ball on the iconic Lord’s Cricket Floor.
Gus Atkinson shines with all-round brilliance
England Cricket’s official X (previously Twitter) account posted a video that includes the 26-year-old Atkinson reflecting on his spectacular innings and the chance to bat larger up the order.
“I’m completely happy at eight; eight is sweet,” Atkinson remarked within the video. “I haven’t considered it an excessive amount of… clearly lacking Stokesy [Ben Stokes] this collection gave me the chance to bat No. 8, and fortunately I scored 100. Going ahead, clearly I’d prefer to bat as excessive as attainable.”
“A day that desires are made from”, England cricket captioned on their publish.
A day that desires are made from ❤️
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024
Additionally WATCH: England captain Ollie Pope hits a bulls eye to dismiss Lahiru Kumara on Day 2 of the 2nd Take a look at
Atkinson’s heroics shine at Lord’s
Atkinson’s maiden Take a look at century was nothing in need of exceptional. He reached the milestone in simply 103 balls, marking the sixth-fastest century ever recorded in a Take a look at match at Lord’s. His highly effective innings, which set the stage for England’s commanding complete of 427 of their first innings, was stuffed with clear, exact strokes, showcasing his pure skill with the bat. Regardless of his success, Atkinson revealed that he had been struggling together with his batting earlier within the yr.
“I’ve been pissed off with my batting this yr: I haven’t actually scored many runs for Surrey in any respect. However I understand how good a participant I will be. I really feel like I’ve acquired a lot pure skill with the bat and I felt like I used to be transferring very well and hitting the ball actually cleanly. It was simply a type of days the place it comes off for you.”
Atkinson’s efficiency didn’t finish together with his century. The all-rounder additionally made an influence with the ball, claiming two key wickets throughout Sri Lanka’s first innings. He dismissed Dinesh Chandimal for 23 runs and delivered a vital blow by taking the wicket of Kamindu Mendis, who had put up a stable struggle with 74 runs. His contributions with each bat and ball have additional solidified England’s dominant place within the Take a look at.
Because the Take a look at progresses, Atkinson’s emergence as a possible future star for England will probably be carefully watched. His skill to ship in high-pressure conditions, mixed together with his versatility as each a batter and bowler, makes him a key participant in England’s marketing campaign towards Sri Lanka and a vibrant prospect for the longer term. With England firmly in management after Day 2, they may look to press dwelling their benefit and proceed their successful momentum on this collection, thanks in no small half to Atkinson’s heroics.
Additionally READ: Gus Atkinson and bowlers shine as England tighten their grip over Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the Lord’s Take a look at
