Cricket World Player of the Week – Gus Atkinson, England

Gus Atkinson is set to play a pivotal role in shaping England’s fast-bowling attack in the wake of Jimmy Anderson’s emotional farewell at Lord’s.

Atkinson’s remarkable Test debut against the West Indies, where he surpassed Anderson’s career-best match figures with 12 for 106, has made the transition appear less daunting for Ben Stokes’ side.

“I think the future does look very bright in the bowling department. We’ve lost our greatest-ever bowler, but for Gus to come in and do that shows a lot about where we are as a team. We are moving in the right direction,” Root said.

Atkinson completed his 10-wicket haul having Alzarri Joseph out hooking a bouncer in the match against West Indies.

Atkinson was just the third bowler to take at least 10 wickets on their Test debut at Lord’s after England great Alec Bedser (11-145 against India in 1946) and Australia’s Bob Massie (16-137 in 1972)

The 26-year-old Atkinson then bowled Shamar Joseph with an excellent yorker that crashed into the base of off stump.

The West Indies were dismissed for just 121 in their first innings as Atkinson took a sensational 7-45.

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