In a strategic move, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to rest fast bowler Gus Atkinson for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. This decision is part of England’s ongoing efforts to manage the workload of their key players, particularly with Atkinson’s recent impres??sive performances in Test cricket.

Gus Atkinson: A vital cog in England’s bowling attack

Atkinson has been a standout performer for England since his debut in Test cricket. His impactful displays, especially during the home series against the West Indies, have solidified his place as a crucial member of the squad. Atkinson’s memorable debut featured a remarkable ten-wicket haul, showcasing his ability to dismantle even the most formidable batting line-ups. His brilliance c?ontinued in the series against Sri Lanka, where his fiery spells? played a significant role in England’s 2-1 series victory. Atkinson picked up 12 wickets at an average of 27.41 and also contributed with the bat, scoring a century from the No. 8 position in the second Test at Lord’s.

Replacement and squad adjustment

Given Atkinson’s importance to the Test side, the ECB has opted to manage his workload by resting him for the ODI series against Australia. Replacing Atkinson in the squad is Olly Stone, a 30-year-old Nottinghamshire seamer. Stone has r?epresented England in eight ODIs, taking eight wickets, and recently made his Test comeback, featuring in the series against Sri Lanka where he claimed seven wickets across two matches. Stone’s inclusion provides England with a seasoned option in the fast-bowling department as they prepare to take on Australia in a five-match ODI series. His previous experience, particularly in challenging overseas conditions, will be valuable as England looks to maintain their competitive edge.

Also READ: England names? new captain for Australia T20Is, announc??es Jos Buttler’s back up for the ODIs

England’s preparation and defeat

The ODI series between England and Australia kicks off at Trent Bridge on September 19, with the final match scheduled for September 29 in Bristol. Before the ODI series, the two teams will compete in a three-match T20I series, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive cricketing contest. In another development, England’s recent home Test series against Sri Lanka ended with a bittersweet victory. While they secured a 2-1 series win, Sri Lanka handed them a heavy eight-wicket defeat in the final Test at Kennington Oval. Chasing a target of 219, Sri Lanka reached the finish line in just 40.3 overs, thanks to a masterful century by Pathum Nissanka.

England’s updated squad for the ODI series against Australia:

Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Josh Hu??ll, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Reece Topley, Jo?hn Turner and Olly Stone.

Also READ: Luke Wright shares insig??ht on Jonny Bairstow’s omission from England’s white-ball squad for Australia series

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In a crucial moment during the fourth day of the third Test between England and Sri Lanka on Monday, September 9, Shoaib Bashir executed an exceptional catch near the boundary to dismiss Kusal Mendis. This key moment occurred in the fifth over of the fourth day, specifically the 20th over of Sri Lanka’s second innings.

Shoaib Bashir’s spectacular catch dismisses Kusal Mendis 

Mendis, a right-handed batter, attempted to pull a short-pitched delivery from Atkinson, making solid contact with the ball. For a moment, it looked as though the ball was destined to reach the boundar??y. However, Bashir, positioned strategically close to the rope, had other plans. The tall fielder displayed remarkable athleticism, diving full length to his left and securing a clean, two-handed catch.

Bashir’s acrobatic effort not only brought an end to Mendis’ well-crafted 39-run innings but also provided England with their first breakthrough of the day. This wicket was pivotal, as Sri Lanka were in pursuit of a 219-run target to win the third Test match. Bashir’s catch not only energized the England side but also set the tone for the rest of the day, showcasing the importance of sharp fielding in tight Test matches.

Here’s the video:

WHAT. A. CATCH!

Take a bow, Shoaib Bashir 😱 pic.twitter.com/FbGeZMwXMo

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 9, 2024

Also WATCH: Jamie Smith plays a counterattacking knock of 67 runs against Sri Lanka on? Day 3 of the third Test

England’s inconsistent batting performance

Earlier, In the first innings, England displayed a mix of resilience and fragility, scoring 325 runs. Ollie Pope led the charge with a well-crafted 154, supported by Ben Duckett‘s aggressive 86. However, the rest of the lineup struggled, with no other batsman crossing 20. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Milan Rathnayake with 3 wickets, kept England in check, pr?eve?nting them from posting a more imposing total.

In their second innings, England faltered under pressure, collapsing for 156 runs. Jamie Smith‘s brisk 67 was the only notable contribution as Sri Lanka’s bowlers, especially Lahiru Kumara with 4 wickets, dismantled the batting order. This left England defending a modest target of 219, a challenging prospect given Sri Lanka’s strong batting form.

Sri Lanka’s steady chase

Sri Lanka’s response in their first innings was solid, with Pathum Nissanka’s 64 and Dhananjaya de Silva‘s 69 leading the way to a total of 263. However, the lower order crumbled under pressure, losing their last five wickets for just 43 runs. England’s bowlers, particularly Josh Hull and Olly Stone, exploited the conditions effectively.

In their pursuit of 219 runs, Sri Lanka started confidently, with Nissanka anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 73. Despite losing Dimuth Karunaratne and Mend??is, they remained on course, needing just 86 more runs on the fourth day with eight wickets in hand. The English bowlers struggled to make inroads, putting Sri Lanka in a favorable position to claim victory.

Also WATCH: Chris Woakes�?switch to spin bow?ling leaves Joe Root in splits on Day 2 of the third ENG v?s SL Test

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England will face Sri Lanka in the third and final Test match of the series at the Kennington Oval. England have already secured the series with two dominant victories, showcasing their exceptional form and ??strate?gy.

With a clean sweep in sight, England’s objective will be to maintain their winning momentum and deliver a comprehensive performance. Sri Lanka, however, will be determined to salvage their pride and end the series on a positive note. The team will aim to put up a strong fight and challenge England’s supremacy, making the final Test a crucial opportunity to make a statement.

ENG vs SL, 3rd Test:

• Date and Time: September 6-10: 10:00 am GMT/11:00 am Local/03:30 pm IST
• Venue: Oval, London

Kennington Oval Pitch Report

The Kennington Oval pitch is known for its early assistance to fast bowlers, which can be crucial in the opening stages of the match. Traditionally, the pitch provides significant movement for bowlers with the new ball, offering them a chance to capitalize on favorable conditions. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to settle, becoming more favorable for batting. Teams winning the toss might be inclined to bowl first,? leveraging the initial conditions to their advantage. The strategic choice at the toss could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this crucial final Test.

ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeeper: Dinesh Chandimal, Jamie Smith
• Batters: Angelo Matthews, Dan Lawrence, Harry Brook
• All-rounders: Chris Woakes, Joe Root, Kusal Mendis
• Bowlers: Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Gus Atkinson

ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

• Choice 1: Joe Root (c), Gus Atkinson (vc)
• Choice 2: Prabath Jayasuriya (c), Jamie Smith (vc)

Also READ: Marcus Trescothick drops a major hint about Jos Buttler’s Engl?and white-ball captain??cy

ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Olly Stone, Ben Duckett, Nishan Ma??dushka, Pathum Nissanka

ENG vs SL Dream11 Team for today’s match (September 6, 10:00 Am GMT):

Squads:

England: Ollie Pope (c), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry B??rook (vc), Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Josh Hull

Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (vc), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeff?rey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake

Also READ: England announces playing XI for the 3rd Test against S?ri Lanka, ⁠Josh Hull to debut

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In a dominant display of all-round cricket, Gus Atkinson‘s heroics with both bat and ball propelled England to a series-clinching victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test at Lord’s. The 24-year-old all-rounder first scored a magnificent maiden Test century, then followed it up with a five-wicket haul to help England take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Gus Atkinson’s batting masterclass

Batting at number eight, Atkinson played a sensational knock of 118 runs off just 115 balls, helping England post a formidable total of 427 in their first innings. His knock included 14 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate the bowling attack. Atkinson became only the third player from England to score a century and take five wickets in a Test match, joining the illustrious company of Sir Ian Botham and Tony Greig.

Atkinson’s bowling heroics seal victory

In Sri Lanka’s first innings, Atkinson continued his impressive performance, claiming 2 wickets for 40 runs to help dismiss the visitors for 196. His spell broke the resistance of the Sri Lankan batsmen and put England firmly in control of the match.

Despite a spirited fightback from Sri Lanka in the second innings, led by half-centuries from Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva, Atkinson’s five-wicket haul in the second innings ultimately sealed England’s victory by 190 runs.

Comprehensive win for England in the second Test: //t.co/z2hSEnPFTO#cricket #ENGvSL #Tests #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Xj3VlQVnFC

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 1, 2024

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar predicts the winner and scoreline of five-match Test series between Au??stralia and India

Clean sweep in sight

With the series already in their grasp, England will look to complete a clean sweep when the third Test commences at The Oval on Friday, September 6. A victory in the final match would mark England’s first flawless Test summer since 2004, when they achieved seven wins.

Joe Root’s exceptional form continued in the Lord’s Test, as he surpassed Alastair Cook to become England’s all-time leading Test century-maker with his 34th ton. The team’s focus remains on development, with an eye on future success, particularly in the upcoming Ashes series.

As the series moves to The Oval,? England wi??ll be confident of completing a historic series whitewash against Sri Lanka.

Also WATCH: Alastair Cook gets emotional as???? Joe Root breaks his Test century record for England

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In a spectacular display of all-round cricket, Gus Atkinson emerged as the hero on Day 2 of the second Test between England and Sri Lanka in the ongoing Sri Lanka tour of England 2024. The young all-rounder, playing a pivotal role in the absence of Ben Stokes, delivered a stellar performance with both the bat and ba?ll at the iconic Lord’s Cric?ket Ground.

Gus Atkinson shines with all-round brilliance 

England Cricket’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a video featuring the 26-ye?ar-old Atkinson reflecting on his impressive innings and the opportunity to bat higher up the order.

“I’m happy at eight; eight is good,” Atkinson remarked in the video. “I haven’t thought about it too much�?obviously missing Stokesy [Ben Stokes] this series gave me the opportunity to bat No. 8, and thankfully I scored a hundred. Going forward, obviously I’d like to bat as high as possible.”

“A day that dreams are made of”, England cricket captioned on their post.

A day that dreams are made of ❤️

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024

Also WATCH??: England captain Ollie Pope hits a bulls eye to dismiss Lahiru Kumara on Day 2 of ??the 2nd Test

Atkinson’s heroics shine at Lord’s

Atkinson’s maiden Test century was nothing short of remarkable. He reached the milestone in just 103 balls, marking the sixth-fastest century ever recorded in a Test match at Lord’s. His powerful innings, which set the stage for England’s commanding total of 427 in their first innings, was filled with clean, precise strokes, showcasing his natural ability with the bat. Despite his success, Atkinson revealed that he had been struggling with his batting earlier in the year.

“I’ve been frustrated with my batting this year: I haven’t really scored many runs for Surrey at all. But I know how good a player I can be. I feel like I’ve got so much natural ability with the bat and I felt like I was moving really well and hitting the ball really cleanly. It was just one of those days where it comes off for you.”

Atkinson’s performance didn’t end with his century. The all-rounder also made an impact with the ball, claiming two key wickets during Sri Lanka’s first innings. He dismissed Dinesh Chandimal for 23 runs and delivered a crucial blow by taking the wicket of Kamindu Mendis, who ha??d put up a solid fight with 74 runs. His contributions with both bat and ball have further solidi??fied England’s dominant position in the Test.

As the Test progresses, Atkinson’s emergence as a potential future star for England will be closely watched. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, combined with his versatility?? a??s both a batter and bowler, makes him a key player in England’s campaign against Sri Lanka and a bright prospect for the future. With England firmly in control after Day 2, they will look to press home their advantage and continue their winning momentum in this series, thanks in no small part to Atkinson’s heroics.

Also RE?AD: Gus Atkinson and bowlers shine as England tighten their grip over Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the Lord’s?? Test

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Ollie Pope‘s brilliant direct hit dismissed Sri Lankan tailender Lahiru Kumara for a duck on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test. Sri Lanka’s first innings ended at a disappointing 196 in 55.3 overs, giving England a commanding 231-run lead.

After Joe Root’s century on Day 1 helped England reach 358/7 by stumps, Gus Atkinson‘s maiden Test century propelled England’s first-innings total past 425. Atkinson played a powerful knock, smashing 14 fours and four sixes in his 118 off 115 balls. Following his innings, England’s pacers shared the spoils, with each of the four frontline bowlers taking two wickets, leaving Sri Lanka in tatters.

Ollie Pope’s stunning direct hit ends Lahiru Kumara’s long stay

Pope’s sharp fielding added to Sri Lanka’s woes. On the final ball of the 55th over, Pope executed a superb direct hit to run out Kumara, who had endured a 22 balls struggle without scoring. Kumara, looking to rotate the strike, set off for a run after Kamindu Mendis nudged Olly Stone‘s delivery towards square leg. However, Kamindu was focused on retaining the strike and didn’t respond to Kumara’s call. Pope, fielding at square leg, took his time to aim and delivered a precise throw to the non-striker’s end, catching a diving Kumara well short of his crease. The strike-farming attempt backfired, and Kumara was left lying on the ground in disappointment.

Here’s the video:

There's ice running through Ollie Pope's veins 🧊 pic.twitter.com/IYJaRn7iep

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Net?izens celebrate as Gus Atkinson hits his maiden ton at iconic Lord’s on Day 2 of the 2n?d Test

England’s bowlers keep Sri Lanka in check

Kumara’s dismissal was the ninth wicket to fall, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 195. They managed to add just one more run before being bowled out, capping a disappointing batting display. Mendis was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, scoring a valiant 74 off 120 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. He was the last man out, miscuing a shot off Atkinson that ended the innings.

England’s bowlers maintained the pressure throughout Sri Lanka’s innings. Chris Woakes, Atkinson, Stone and Matthew Potts each took two wickets, while young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir claimed one. By the end of Day 2, England had extended their lead to 256 runs, finishing at 25/1 in their second innings. Dan Lawrence (7) was the only wicket to fall, adjudged caught behind off Kuma?ra after Sri Lanka successfully reviewed the on-field decision.

Also READ: ENG vs SL: ‘He’s quite? an insecure human being,�? Michael Vaughan attacks Ollie Pope’s? leadership and batting form

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Gus Atkinson‘s maiden Test century set the stage for another day of England‘s dominance at Lord’s, as the hosts posted a formidable 427 in their first innings on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test. In response, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 196, trailing by 231 runs, with only Kamindu Mendis showing significant resistance. England opted against enforcing the follow-on, choos??ing instead to bat again, ending the day at 25/1 with a commanding le?ad of 256.

Kamindu Mendis stands tall amid Sri Lanka’s collapse

Mendis was the lone warrior for Sri Lanka, scoring a gritty 74 from 120 balls. His innings, which included eight fours and three sixes, helped Sri Lanka recover from a precarious 118/7, briefly lifting his Test average back above 100. Despite his efforts, none of his teammates could muster more than Dinesh Chandimal‘s 23, leaving Sri Lanka in a dire position on a pitch already showing signs of turn. Mendis’ innings was a testament to his fighting spirit. He took on the previously dominant England attack and gathered quick runs for his side. However, his valiant effort was insufficient to save Sri Lanka from a significant first-innings deficit.

Kamindu Mendis put up a fight with a classy knock!#England #SriLanka #KaminduMendis #Test #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/EQctTBbBAN

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 30, 2024

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Net??izens?? celebrate as Gus Atkinson hits his maiden ton at iconic Lord’s on Day 2 of the 2nd Test

Gus Atkinson’s maiden century sets the tone for England

Earlier, Atkinson resumed England’s innings on the second morning with a score of 74 not out and wasted no time in reaching his hundred. His century came off just 103 balls, making it the sixth-fastest century in a Test match at Lord’s. Atkinson’s innings was characterized by controlled aggression, with his knock including back-to-back boundaries off Lahiru Kumara to start the day. Although he was initially given out lbw by umpire Paul Reiffel, Atkinson successfully reviewed the?? decision, with the ball mi?ssing the leg stump.

From there, Atkinson continued to dominate, bringing up his century with a drive through long-off. His celebration, with a beaming smile and saluting all four corners of the ground, was the only sign that this was no ordinary day for the young cricketer. Matthew Potts provided valuable support in an 85-run partnership for the eighth wicket before Atkinson’s innings ended with a spectacular catch by Milan Rathnayake at deep midwicket.

England’s bowlers continue to impress

Sri Lanka’s reply began poorly, with Nishan Madushka falling for 7 to Chris Woakes and Dimuth Karunaratne‘s poor form continuing as he was bowled by Olly Stone for 7. Stone, returning to the Test side after a long absence, quickly picked up his second wicket, dismissing Pathum Nissanka for 12. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal tried to stabilize the innin??gs, but Mathews was undone by a delivery from Potts t??hat nipped back to hit the top of off stump. Dhananjaya de Silva fell for a duck, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble.

Atkinson continued his remarkable run at Lord’s by claiming Chandimal as his 13th wicket in less than three innings, dismissing him for 23 with a catch at leg gully. Rathnayake briefly counter-attacked, but Stone and Woakes combined to dismiss him and the rest of the tail. Shoaib Bashir, making his first appearance at Lord’s, bowled brilliantly and eventually dismissed Prabath Jayasuriya. Despite a late life for Mendis when Joe Root dropped a catch at deep square leg, England’s dominance was never in doubt. They ended the day firmly in control, with Sri Lanka facing an uphill battle to avoid a crushing defeat.

Another delightful day at Lord's 🥰 pic.twitter.com/Yt1t79Cxto

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024

Also READ: ENG vs SL 2024,? Test Series?: Broadcasting & Live Streaming Details �?When and Where to watch in India, UK, USA, Australia, Sri Lanka and other countries

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The second day of the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s promised to be a day of dominance for the hosts. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers, especially Asitha Fernando, had other plans. Fernando’s consistent line and length had troubled the English batters throughout the day.

Gus Atkinson’s marvellous maiden century

Gus Atkinson, the English all-rounder, had a dream day. He started the day with a couple of boundaries and continued to score at a brisk pace. His innings gained momentum as he reached his maiden first-class hundred. The crowd at Lord’s erupted in cheers as Atkinson celebrated his milestone.

Milan Rathnayake’s plucks a stunner

Just when it seemed like England would post a massive total, Sri Lanka’s Milan Rathnayake pulled off a stunning catch. Atkinson, looking to hit a third consecutive boundary, miscued a short-pitched delivery. Rathnayake, stationed at deep midwicket, initially seemed to misjudge the ball’s trajectory. However, he recovered quickly and executed a brilliant one-handed catch over his shoulder. The crowd was left in awe as Rathnayake’s catch sent Atkinson back to the pavilion.

Rathnayake’s catch was a testament to his athleticism, quick reflexes, and ability to judge the ball’s trajectory. The difficulty of the shot and the angle at which he took the catch made it even more impressive. His ability to take spectacular catches has made him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team.

Here’s the video:

A s?ensational catch marks the end of a brilliant innin?gs 🤯

Well batted, Gus 🫡 pic.twitter.com/tVX53BZdT1

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024

England’s dominant batting in the Lord’s Test

Despite Atkinson’s dismissal, England managed to reach a respectable total of 427. Shoaib Bashir and Olly Stone added a few more runs before the latter was dismissed by Fernando. Atkinson’s innings of 118 runs was a major highlight of the day. His knock included 14 fours and four sixes.

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Fans go wild as Joe Root equals Alast?air Cook’s record for England with 33rd Test century at Lord’s

The road ahead for Sri Lanka

With a challenging target to chase, Sri Lanka will need to bat well in their second innings. Their bowlers will also need to be at their best to restrict England’s lead in the match. The third day of the Test promises to be an exciting one as both teams battle it out for a crucial victory.

England’s lower-order resilience

England’s lower order, led by Atkinson and Root, played a crucial role in their team’s innings. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, they managed to build partnerships and score valuable runs. Their resilience was a testament to their batting depth and their ability to adapt to challenging conditions.

Asitha Fernando’s impact in the first innings

Fernando’s five-wicket haul was a major factor in England’s dismissal. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate bounce made him a difficult bowler to face. Fernando’s performance was a reminder of Sri Lanka’s bowling talent and their ability to compete against top-quality opposition.

The outcome of this Test match will have a significant impact on the series. A victory for England would give them a series win, while a win f??or Sri Lanka would put them in a strong position to level the series and eventually go in the series decider with a momentum. Both teams will be eager to secure ?a victory and take a step closer to claiming the series.

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Netizens celebrate as Gus Atkinson hits his maid?en ton at iconic Lord’s on Day 2 of the 2nd Test

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England‘s Joe Root continued to dazzle with the bat, playing yet another crucial knock for his side in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s. Root’s composed innings set the foundation for England’s strong position. But while Root’s magic with the bat was a familiar sight, it was the performance of pacer Gus Atkinson that stole the spotlight, with Root h??imself showering praise on the ??emerging all-rounder.

Joe Root continues his magic with the bat

Root’s form with the bat remained impeccable as he once again played a vital innings for England. Coming in at a tricky situation, Root anchored the innings and ensured that England weathered the initial storm from the Sri Lankan bowlers. His brilliant ton at a crucial juncture, helping the team recover from 216/6 to a more comfortable position by the end of Day 1. Root’s resilience and class were on full display as he effortlessly handled the challenging conditions at Lord’s.

Root heaps praises on Gus Atkinson

While Root played a major role in stabilizing England’s innings, he was full of praise for Atkinson, whose exceptional performance changed the momentum of the match. Atkinson, who came in to bat with England struggling, smashed his maiden Test half-century, finishing Day 1 unbeaten on 74. In a video shared by the ECB, Root expressed his admiration for Atkinson’s innings, noting how the young pacer played with remarkable composure and power. Root highlighted Atkinson’s ability to turn the game around with his explosive batting.

Also READ: “I was very lucky to have someone like him”: Joe Root dedicates his 33rd Test ton to the late cricketer

Root draws comparison with South African legend

Root’s praise for Atkinson did not stop at merely acknowledging his brilliance. The former England captain went a step further, comparing Atkinson’s batting heroics to those of South African legend Jacques Kallis.

“I’ll tell you why I was good watching Gussy (Gus Atkinson) bat at the end, being at the other end when he hit those straight sixes, they were unbelievable. It’s like watching someone like Jacques Kallis play. It was a great little innings from him, and there was some good partnerships along the way and we’ve found ourselves in a really good position now,” said Root.

Atkinson hits maiden Test ton

The Day 2 saw Atkinson continue his stellar form with the bat, as he converted his overnight score into a maiden Test century. The 26-year-old reached the milestone in just 103 deliveries, adding his name to the prestigious Lord’s Honors Board.

Atkinson, who had already made headlines with his bowling debut at Lord’s last month, further cemented his place in the team with his all-round capabilities. Known for his bowling prowess, Atkinson’s century was his first in any format, underlining his growing influence as a key player for England in both batting and bowling departments.

Also READ: ENG vs SL – Netizens celebrate as Gus Atkinson hits his maiden ton at iconic Lord’s on Day 2 of the 2nd Test

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