After leaving New Zealand reeling on day two of the second Test at the Basin Reserve with England’s 15th Test hat-trick, Gus Atkinson admits he is “greedy” for more milestones.
Stuart Broad has two Test hat-tricks, and Atkinson became the first Englishman to do so since Moeen Ali’s victory against South Africa in 2017. Additionally, he is the 50th person to accomplish the accomplishment.
Tim Southee was stranded plumb in front, Matt Henry was caught at gully repelling a bouncer, and Nathan Smith was bowled off the bat as he attempted to go. New Zealand’s innings ended on 125, 155 behind England’s 280. With the tourists finishing day two in Wellington at 378 for 5 in their opening innings, that margin has grown to an enormous 533.
Atkinson’s efforts on Saturday, which put England in the driver’s seat for a series-winning victory, add to the long list of outstanding accomplishments he has already made in his brief Test career.
In James Anderson’s final Test match against the West Indies in July, he made his debut at Lord’s, taking 12 wickets with 7 for 45 and 5 for 61. He subsequently made his way back to the Home of Cricket, where he defeated Sri Lanka to record his first Test century and capture another 5 for 62.
At the end of play, Atkinson said, “You’re greedy and always want more.” “You wish to take as many as you can, and I hope to attempt that in the future.
“It was fantastic. As a bowler, you don’t think about it. You consider five-fors, ten-fors, and similar situations.
“Obviously it’s been a great year for me personally and hopefully I can get a few more milestone and help the team.”
When Atkinson dismissed Jason Holder and Alick Athanaze in consecutive deliveries in the first innings, he had a chance to record his maiden hat-trick. The West Indies’ keeper-batter was caught by an inside edge on the very next delivery after Joshua Da Silva had kept out the hat-trick ball.
Atkinson’s third delivery in the set was well prepared this time. England constructed a field for the short-ball with Southee on strike, acknowledging his tendency to make a huge shot on any given occasion. But as the umpire lifted his finger, Atkinson went full, hitting the pad and whirling away in celebration.
When Atkinson remarked, “I fully went for the bluff,” “He [Southee] has the ability to compete even on a hat-trick ball. That was the impression: despite the fact that it’s a hat-trick ball, he may win.
“I was considering throwing a yorker, full and straight. Fortunately, it struck him on the pad straight and rather full even if I missed a little.
With an innings left in his tenth Test match, Atkinson presently leads the format with 47 wickets at an average of 21.31. Despite having played 12 while-ball internationals prior to his Test debut, he attributes his success to Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, who both took a chance on him in the first place. He had only participated in 19 Surrey first-class games at the time of his selection, collecting 59 wickets at a rate of 27.38.
The 26-year-old is just one of several similar wagers that selectors have taken in the past nine months. Jacob Bethell, who missed his first century in professional cricket by four runs, is the most recent example. Following his first 50 from 37 deliveries, which helped England defeat New Zealand at Hagley Oval last week, Bethell’s 96 sets a new first-class mark. Atkinson attributes the 21-year-old Warwickshire batter’s success to the environment he has created.
Atkinson remarked, “It was great viewing,” referring to Bethell’s innings, which included a 187-run partnership with Ben Duckett, who also missed a century with 92.
It’s unfortunate that none of them reached a hundred, but both played quite well, and I’m sure Beth will feel much more confident as a result. In the future, he will have additional opportunities.
“None of us are under any pressure. It is just to go out and play our game of nature. Prior to playing, I most likely didn’t have access to Test cricket statistics. Although Beth hasn’t achieved a first-class century or anything, his batting prowess and performances in the ODI and T20 series just demonstrate his exceptional talent. He is just a class player all-around based on his rapid bowling and spin skills.
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