England fast bowler Gus Atkinson etched his name into cricketing history during the fifth and final Test against India by equaling a remarkable 129-year-old record. Here’s a detailed look at the remarkable feat and how the match unfolded.
A Stunning Comeback After Injury
Gus Atkinson, sidelined by injury for the first four Tests of the series, made a powerful comeback in the final match, reclaiming his spot in the England lineup with authority. Playing at The Oval, he wasted no time making an impact, producing a fiery spell of pace bowling on Day 2 that dismantled the Indian batting lineup.
Five Wickets and a Place in History
Atkinson took 5 wickets, removing key Indian batters, including:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Dhruv Jurel
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
With this five-wicket haul, Atkinson reached a career tally of 60 wickets in just 13 Test matches, boasting an impressive bowling average of 21.00 and a strike rate of 34.9.
You can follow: India hit back against Bazballing England on another remarkable day
A Record Held Since 1896
This rare achievement places Atkinson alongside the legendary George Lohmann, the only other bowler in history to claim 60 Test wickets with a better strike rate (34.1) – a record set way back in 1896.
Australia’s Scott Boland is next on the list, having achieved the same feat with a strike rate of 36.0, but Atkinson now holds the second-best strike rate to 60 Test wickets in cricket history.
Match Summary: Fifth Test at The Oval
- Toss: England won and chose to bowl first.
- India 1st Innings: All out for 224.
- England 1st Innings: Scored 247, gaining a slim lead of 23 runs.
- India 2nd Innings (End of Day 2): 75/2
- Yashasvi Jaiswal remains unbeaten on 51
- Akash Deep (nightwatchman) is not out on 4
- India currently leads by 52 runs
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Analysis: Why Atkinson’s Feat Matters
In an era dominated by flat pitches and high-scoring matches, Atkinson’s sharp strike rate and wicket-taking ability stand out. His bowling performance is not just a personal triumph but a massive boost for England, who are looking to end the series on a high.
The comparison with a bowler from the 19th century highlights the rarity of his achievement – a moment that speaks volumes about his potential to be a future star in England’s pace attack.
Final Thoughts
Gus Atkinson’s sensational return and record-breaking spell have made the fifth Test one to remember. His name now stands beside one of England’s greatest bowlers in the record books, setting the tone for what could be a remarkable international career ahead.
Stay tuned as the series finale unfolds, with both teams fighting hard to take home the honors in what has been a thrilling contest.
