Who is this Gus Atkinson? England gambled before the World Cup

England have announced their preliminary 15-man squad for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. This team also includes a name which is being discussed a lot. The name of this player is Gus Atkinson, who is a fast bowler. Atkinson has been called into the English team after strong performances in the County Championship and The Hundred. In The Hundred, Atkinson was seen bowling at a speed of 95 miles per hour and he also blew the senses of his national team captain Jos Buttler with his pace and that is probably the reason Buttler thought of giving him a chance in the team.

Who is Gus Atkinson

Gus Atkinson was born on January 19, 1998. The 25-year-old fast bowler plays for Surrey in domestic cricket. Atkinson made his first-class debut against Essex in the year 2020. Atkinson can bowl around 150 kmph and is also known for his accurate bouncers. The player has also faced several injuries during his career including stress fractures.

Atkinson has so far played only 14 first-class matches, 2 List A matches and 41 T20Is. Interestingly, Atkinson played his last 50-over match two years ago. Atkinson has been included in the squad for the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand where he could be included in the playing XI. In such a situation, even before the World Cup, we will know how successful this gamble played by England can be.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer will not be there in the upcoming World Cup, in such a situation, after seeing the speed of Atkinson, he is being considered as his replacement. However, ahead of the World Cup, Atkinson will need to prove himself against the Kiwis. Talking about Archer, he contributed significantly to England's 2019 World Cup victory. Archer took 20 wickets in 11 matches played in the 2019 World Cup and was the third highest wicket-taker in the tournament.