Gus Atkinson marked his return to the England side with a performance that offered both promise and a reminder of his potential impact, during the fifth and deciding test against India at The Oval. After a frustrating hamstring injury sidelined him in May during the test against Zimbabwe, and limited him to a mere club appearance and a second XI outing for Surrey, Atkinson was back to inject some much-needed pace and aggression into England's bowling attack.
In the absence of Ben Stokes, who was out injured, and with Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse being rested, Atkinson led a revamped bowling unit. He immediately justified his inclusion by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw with a sharp delivery. This early breakthrough showcased Atkinson's ability to make an impact with the new ball, a quality that has been much talked about since his impressive debut.
Beyond the wicket of Jaiswal, Atkinson's influence extended to the field, where his athleticism contributed to the crucial run-out of Shubman Gill. Gill, who was in impressive form throughout the series, found himself short of his ground thanks to Atkinson's quick pick-up and accurate throw. This moment highlighted Atkinson's value beyond his bowling prowess, demonstrating his sharpness and commitment in the field.
While Atkinson impressed, the performance of England's other bowlers was inconsistent. Josh Tongue, despite picking up two wickets, struggled with his control, while Jamie Overton also lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble the Indian batsmen consistently. This inconsistency allowed India to recover to a degree, ending the rain-affected first day at 204 for 6. Adding to England's concerns, Chris Woakes sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder while fielding, casting doubt on his further participation in the match.
Atkinson's return provides a silver lining for England. His ability to bowl with pace and extract bounce, coupled with his effectiveness on home soil, makes him a valuable asset. He plays domestic cricket for Surrey, giving him ample experience at the Oval. Former England captain Stuart Broad had previously advocated for Atkinson's inclusion, which further underscores the belief in his potential.
Looking ahead, Atkinson's role becomes even more critical given Woakes' injury. England will need him to spearhead the attack and maintain the pressure on the Indian batting lineup. While the first day at The Oval was marred by intermittent rain and inconsistent bowling from certain members of the English attack, the resurgence of Gus Atkinson offered a clear positive. His performance not only demonstrated his individual talent but also highlighted the depth and potential within the England squad as they strive to close out the series against India.
