Atkinson keen for more after dream debut

AS FAR as debuts go, Gus Atkinson’s first England appearance could hardly have gone any better.

Figures of four for 20 at Old Trafford were the best by an England bowler on T20 debut and helped his side to a 2-0 series lead against New Zealand, ahead of the third match at Edgbaston today.

‘Yeah, that was perfect,’ said Atkinson. ‘I can’t ask for much more than that. I’m very happy.’

Injuries plagued Atkinson, 25, since signing as a professional in 2017 but last year, with his run-up change that led to increased pace, it all clicked.

‘When we saw him last year, it was clear Gus had the ability to make it for England across all formats,’ added Azhar Mahmood, his bowling coach at Surrey.

‘It was then a case of consistency and fitness. We picked him in the T20 in the

UAE and the Pakistan Super League and worked with him through the year.’

At the toss on Friday, England skipper Jos Buttler said Atkinson had ‘pace to burn’. He knew first-hand after facing him in The Hundred, when Atkinson’s deliveries clocked 95mph.

After that match, Buttler had a conversation with Mahmood. A week later, Atkinson was named in England’s World

Cup squad.

Atkinson had already been on England’s radar but perhaps that Hundred game in south London was confirmation.

‘Jos asked about Gus. He was really impressed that night. It was a conversation about how Gus had developed his abilities,’ said Mahmood.

Those who know Atkinson speak of an introvert but someone who knows that he has a special talent. His second delivery against New Zealand on Friday, bowled at 92mph, beat Devon Conway for pace.

Two balls later, he had his maiden international wicket, removing Conway with a 90mph delivery. But there were no ecstatic celebrations. Just a little smile.

‘One of my friends said: “You never know, we might get a smile out of you when you get your first wicket”. So I was thinking about that, but I was very happy inside,’ revealed Atkinson .

The rapid rise to an England call-up is no surprise for him. ‘I knew that once I got going, it could happen quick,’ he said. ‘I’ve always known my ability and what I can do.’