Promising Surrey Bowler Gus Atkinson Making Rapid Rise with Raw Pace
Rising to prominence as a cricketer, especially as a bowler, requires time, patience, determination, and a unique attribute that sets you apart from the rest. Surrey bowler Gus Atkinson possesses that attribute: raw pace. Over the past year, Atkinson has made a remarkable breakthrough for Surrey, showcasing his blistering speed and catching the attention of cricket enthusiasts.
Although Atkinson had only made five first-class appearances between his debut in 2020 and the beginning of last summer, his rapid progression can be attributed to his explosive pace. In 2022 alone, he participated in four first-class matches, representing an 80% increase from his previous two-year total. Additionally, he excelled in six Vitality Blast matches, which paved the way for him to secure a stint with the Desert Vipers in the ILT20 and Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League.
As his journey unfolds, Atkinson’s achievements have catapulted him into the spotlight, with speculation mounting about his potential inclusion in England’s Test squad against Ireland. Despite missing key players like James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, England remained heavy favorites to secure a victory, as suggested by the cricket match betting odds. Unfortunately, Atkinson’s time for international debut did not come just yet. However, everyone, including cricket legend Sir Alastair Cook, recognizes that it is only a matter of time before Atkinson’s talent shines through.
In his first-class debut, Atkinson impressively dismissed Cook himself, leaving an indelible mark on the seasoned batsman. Even Cook acknowledged Atkinson’s skills and expressed his admiration, noting that Atkinson has the raw ability to move the ball effectively. Cook’s commendation adds weight to the growing chorus of praise for Atkinson’s abilities.
Some have drawn comparisons between Atkinson and speedster Mark Wood, but according to CricViz data, Atkinson is not yet at the same lightning-fast pace as Wood. However, he shares similarities with Chris Woakes in terms of speed. Developments will show whether Atkinson can further enhance his pace and emulate Wood’s fiery deliveries. Additionally, others have likened Atkinson to Jofra Archer, primarily in terms of bowling technique. Regardless of these comparisons, Atkinson has undeniably become a name to remember for cricket fans following England.
With his ability to take wickets at rapid speed and possess the qualities desired by the English cricket team, Atkinson’s rise in the cricketing world is worth tracking. While his progress may have been hindered by multiple stress fractures in previous years, Atkinson’s unwavering belief and commitment to reaching the first-class level have propelled him to where he stands today.
Atkinson’s recent triumphs include claiming impressive figures of 6-68 in a County Championship match between Surrey and Essex in May this year. Cook’s praise for Atkinson’s skills only validates the promising bowler’s talent. With each performance, Atkinson is proving that he has what it takes to excel in the cricketing arena.
As fans eagerly anticipate Atkinson’s forthcoming accomplishments, his story serves as a reminder that perseverance and determination are key ingredients for success in cricket. With his raw pace and undeniable skills, Atkinson’s journey continues to attract attention, leaving cricket enthusiasts excited about the potential he possesses.
