By 
Gus Atkinson’s reputation is on a rapid ascent. He kicked off the season without a spot in the Surrey squad, yet three remarkable County Championship displays proved sufficient to position him just inches away from the Ireland Test squad. Only a few missteps on the golf course separate him from a potential Ashes debut.
Gus Atkinson’s preliminary World Cup selection took him by surprise, yet England’s newest pace asset believes that his participation in The Hundred has finely tuned him for the international stage.
While Atkinson initially aimed for a spot in the squad for the four T20 matches against New Zealand, his aspirations have been elevated as he secured a position in the ODI squad. Furthermore, his inclusion in England’s preliminary 15-man roster for the World Cup has opened up even greater horizons.
With Jofra Archer’s ongoing elbow issues significantly dimming his prospects of contributing to England’s defense of their 50-over title, Atkinson’s unexpected selection came as a shock. In the midst of his astonishment, he maintained a composed demeanor when he received a phone call from Matthew Mott, the head coach for white-ball cricket, while situated in the dressing room of the Oval Invincibles.
At the Kia Oval-based club, Atkinson’s recent performances have drawn considerable attention. He consistently clocks speeds above 90mph, reaching a peak of 95mph. In addition to his velocity, he possesses a cunning slower ball, enhancing his repertoire. His encounters with well-established players have provided ideal preparation for his upcoming responsibilities with the England team.
Speaking with the PA news agency, Atkinson shared, ‘Being chosen for the World Cup was not something I had anticipated. While there were whispers about the New Zealand T20s, being selected for the ODIs and the World Cup was genuinely exciting.’
He continued, ‘I’m truly elated. Initially, it was a challenge to conceal my emotions as I received the news while at the Oval, preparing with the Invincibles. Suppressing a smile was quite the task.’
Atkinson then discussed his reaction with his family, stating, ‘I spoke with my family, and their happiness and pride were evident. This summer has been remarkably rewarding, and the pace at which everything unfolded has been astonishing. Participating in The Hundred for the first time has proven exceptionally rewarding.’
Reflecting on his encounters with formidable international batsmen during The Hundred, Atkinson remarked, ‘Each team features world-class batters, and the experience of bowling against them has been invaluable. I’ve demonstrated my capabilities against international players in The Hundred, which gives me every reason to believe I can replicate that success on the global stage.
Last week, Atkinson succeeded in leaving an impression on England captain Jos Buttler. While Buttler managed to connect a couple of hits against the speedy deliveries of Atkinson while representing the Manchester Originals, he found himself thoroughly outplayed by a blistering 94mph free hit.
Although Atkinson remains uncertain about boosting his speeds – he chuckled as he responded, ‘I’m not entirely convinced about that’ – he has found immense value in the exposure garnered from having all The Hundred matches televised.
He elaborated, ‘In every match so far, I’ve been giving my all. Facing Jos for the first time was an experience. You always have a profound awareness of his status as a world-class player. While I wasn’t fixated on the larger context while bowling to him, my focus was purely on executing my role – hitting the pitch hard and delivering rapid deliveries.’
The squad, captained by Jos Buttler, includes Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, and Chris Woakes.
Atkinson has always possessed a natural ability for generating pace, but his progression was hampered by three stress fractures in his back. These injuries not only delayed his development but also instilled internal uncertainties.
Regaining trust in his body was a complex journey, akin to recovering from those injuries themselves. However, Atkinson is now operating at full throttle and expresses gratitude for the recognition of his attributes that propelled him into the England squad at an accelerated pace.
He remarked, ‘Throughout this year, being a consistent part of Surrey’s T20 matches in the Vitality Blast, I relished the confidence placed in me and the assurance of my place in the team. This has significantly contributed to my progress.
“Being chosen for the England squad without undergoing the usual three or four years of hard work is quite satisfying.”
Atkinson has merely participated in two List A matches and has never journeyed to India, where England’s bid to defend their world title is set for October and November.
Nonetheless, the 25-year-old, intending to seek counsel from his Surrey teammate and close friend Reece Topley, holds a strong belief in his ability to excel in any circumstances, regardless of the format.
He explained, “When I transition from four-day cricket to T20 matches, I don’t alter my approach significantly. My focus remains on delivering my best deliveries and maintaining simplicity. I intend to apply the same principle when it comes to 50-over cricket.”
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