Born in Chelsea, Middlesex, Gus Atkinson is quickly making a name for himself as England’s latest fast-bowling sensation. Atkinson, a right-arm fast-medium bowler with a handy lower-order right-hand batting ability, has had a meteoric rise in the world of cricket. His international debut came at the age of 25 during England’s home series against New Zealand in 2023.
Gus Atkinson
During the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand, Atkinson stood out for his remarkable pace, which played a pivotal role in his rapid rise to the international level. His exceptional performances in the inaugural International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE and The Hundred in the UK garnered the attention of national selectors, who recognized his potential at the international level.
Despite having played only four County Championship and six T20 Blast matches for Surrey in the previous summer, Atkinson was signed by the Desert Vipers for the ILT20 2022-23 season based on his talent. The young speedster did not disappoint, capturing nine wickets in 10 appearances with an impressive economy rate of 7.81.
Fortuitously for Gus Atkinson, the Vipers shared the same analytical team as the Oval Invincibles in The Men’s Hundred 2023, opening the door for a groundbreaking campaign in the popular tournament. The determined cricketer made waves by taking 10 wickets in six games during Invincibles’ title-winning run.
As a part of England’s ODI World Cup 2023 squad, with their sights set on glory in India, it’s remarkable to think that Atkinson only broke into Surrey’s first XI in the County Championship in 2020 and had to wait another year to make his List A debut.
Atkinson earned his professional contract in 2017 following a series of impressive performances for Surrey’s second XI during the English summer of 2016. He managed to hold his place in the team over the next two seasons, even though he didn’t immediately threaten to break into the club’s first-choice XI.
However, a fantastic century at the No.7 position against Worcestershire’s second XI made a strong case for his inclusion in the senior team. His bowling skills, combined with his remarkable batting performance, allowed him to graduate to the senior domestic setup in early 2020.
Atkinson continued to build on his success and reputation, contributing to Surrey’s push for the Championship in the 2022-23 season with 13 wickets at an average of 28.84. He also established himself as a reliable option for England in the death overs during the World Cup in India. Gus Atkinson’s journey from a promising talent to an international sensation is a testament to his hard work and determination in the world of cricket.
