Gus Atkinson Delivers Maiden Test Century at Lord, Citing Natural Ability as Key to Success
England Gus Atkinson achieved a historic milestone in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord, marking his maiden Test century with an impressive 118 runs. Atkinson, who plays as a pace bowler for Surrey, became the first England number eight to score a Test century in over a decade.
The 26-year-old knock was not only a personal best but also his first hundred in first-class cricket, surpassing his previous highest score of 91. Prior to this, Atkinson’s most recent century was 108 not out in a second XI match against Worcestershire back in 2018.
“I’ve been frustrated with my batting this year, Atkinson admitted. “I know how good a player I can be and I feel like I’ve got so much natural ability with the bat. I felt like I was moving really well and hitting the ball really cleanly. It was one of those days where it comes off.
Atkinson stellar performance contributed significantly to England first-innings total of 427 all out. In addition to his batting heroics, Atkinson also made an impact with the ball, claiming two wickets as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 196. England chose not to enforce the follow-on, ending the day on 25-1, with a lead of 256 runs.
This century continues a remarkable start to Atkinson international career. In his debut Test against the West Indies last month at the same venue, he recorded 12 wickets for 106 runs, achieving the fourth-best match figures for a Test debutant. His recent performances have earned him a place on all three Lord honours boards achievements made even more remarkable within just five days of Test cricket.
“It very surreal, Atkinson told Test Match Special. “I’ve always thought of the Lord honours board growing up and pictured myself up there for my bowling, so it incredible to see myself up there with the bat. I couldn’t ask for more.
The Surrey cricketer had previously made three first-class half-centuries, with his most recent being for Surrey against Kent in 2023. This season, Atkinson was batting lower down the order for Surrey but has found himself at number eight for England due to an injury to captain Ben Stokes. His century was achieved from 103 deliveries, making it the sixth-fastest hundred at Lord.
Looking ahead, Atkinson is optimistic about his batting future. “Obviously I’ll try to score as many runs as I can, he said. “I’ve always backed my batting and haven’t had huge opportunities to score big runs for Surrey. To get the opportunity batting at eight I made use of it and hopefully going forward I get more chances.
The special occasion was watched by Atkinson father, Ed, with whom he had visited Lord as a child. Reflecting on his late mother, Caroline, who passed away in a car accident in 2022, Atkinson noted, “She would have been extremely proud. It was a bit emotional at times, but it was a very special day. I just tried to focus on my batting and not get too ahead of myself. Thankfully I got there in the end.
With a promising start to his Test career, Gus Atkinson’s future in international cricket looks bright, and his maiden century is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.
