Gus Atkinson

Gus Atkinson surged into England's 50-over World Cup squad in 2023 as a wildcard selection, making his international debut a month before the tournament started. Already on the selectors' radar after impressing for Surrey in the County Championship, he was clocked at 95mph during a vicious spell to Jos Buttler during the Hundred which clinched his spot.

He played three games at the tournament itself, taking four wickets, but was named in the Test squad for the tour to India in early 2024. It was not until June 2024 that he made his debut, at Lord's, but it proved worth the wait: he upstaged James Anderson's farewell with 7 for 45 in the first innings and 12 for 106 in the match against West Indies, and was named player of the series after 22 wickets in his first three Tests. Later that summer, he returned to Lord's with an even more remarkable display: a maiden Test century against Sri Lanka, and a further five-wicket haul.

A tall seamer educated at Bradfield College, Atkinson earned a professional contract in October 2017 after impressing for Surrey's second team throughout the previous summer. He graduated to the 1st XI in 2020, with a List A debut coming in 2021, but struggled with regular injuries.

Even though his part in the 2022 summer was limited, he still managed 13 wickets at 28.84 to aid the push for the Championship title, and grew his reputation in white ball cricket as a handy option at the death. But 2023 proved his breakthrough, starting with a strong showing for Desert Vipers in the ILT20, progressing to a Hundred winners' medal with Oval Invincibles and culminating in an England debut.
ESPNcricinfo staff.