Despite being injury-free and available, England fast bowler Gus Atkinson is participating in second XI cricket this week, unexpectedly leading to a selection standoff. Atkinson, who hasn’t played a competitive red-ball match since May due to a hamstring injury, was named in England’s squad for the third and fourth Tests against India.
He even bowled during England’s training at Old Trafford under the watch of Peter Sim and Tim Southee. Yet, with England 2-1 up in the series and unwilling to gamble on an unproven bowler (in terms of injury), that too, in a damp and muddily outfield, he was left out of the XI for the Manchester Test.
Under normal circumstances, a first-class outing for Surrey in their County Championship clash against Yorkshire would have been the logical next step. But the county has made a similar call: no red-ball cricket for Atkinson just yet. Instead, he will return to play for Surrey’s second XI in a four-day fixture at New Malden.
ECB pays, counties decide
This situation, reported by ESPNcricinfo, put forward the peculiar system of England’s central contract system. Despite being on a two-year ECB contract, which means his wages are paid by the board, Atkinson’s availability for county cricket still lies with Surrey. And the club isn’t ready to risk him either, especially with the Kookaburra ball in play and their bowling depth strong.
Meanwhile, another England pacer, Josh Tongue, will play limited red-ball cricket, just days three and four, for Nottinghamshire in their game against Hampshire.
Gus Atkinson Career Stats
FormatInnWicketEconAvgBest5WODI11136.7140.622/280T20I4611.2620.334/200Test23553.7422.317/453BowlingNo Test, no County Championship: Gus Atkinson caught in England-Surrey tug-of-war Inside Sport India.
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