ENG vs WI: Gus Atkinson Breaks 48-Year-Old Record With 7/45 On Test Debut
Gus Atkinson's sensational debut in Test cricket saw him pick 7 wickets for 45 runs in just 12 overs, including 5 maiden overs.
Gus Atkinson record in ENG vs WI: Gus Atkinson had a dream debut on Wednesday (July 10), where he stole the limelight at Lord's during England's 1st Test against West Indies. On his debut, he returned with figures of 7/45 on the first day, overshadowing even the legendary James Anderson in his farewell Test.
Atkinson's performance marked the second-best bowling figures in an innings by an England debutant in Test history, drawing massive attention from fans who had gathered to witness Anderson's final match.
Gus Atkinson's sensational debut in Test cricket saw him pick 7 wickets for 45 runs in just 12 overs, including 5 maiden overs. This performance not only marked the third-best bowling figures for England in a Test innings by a debutant but also made him only the third England bowler to achieve this feat.
Atkinson's exceptional display helped him surpass John Lever's 48-year-old record (7/46 vs India in Delhi, 1976).
💥 BANG! BANG! BANG! 💥
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 10, 2024
THREE WICKETS IN FOUR BALLS FROM GUS ATKINSON! 🤩#EnglandCricket | #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/5CtwELJC5V
Best figures by an England bowler on debut in Tests
Gus Atkinson's Test debut heroics - 7 wickets for 45 runs - placed him among the elite group of English cricketers. He became the seventh English player to claim seven wickets in his debut Test match. His figures of 7/45 mark the third-best performance for England in a debut Test innings.
At the top of the list is John Ferris (7 wickets for 37 runs vs South Africa in Cape Town, 1892). Dominic Cork follows closely, securing second place by taking 7 wickets for 43 runs vs West Indies at Lord's in 1995. At number three in this elite list is now Gus Atkinson (7 wickets for 45 runs vs West Indies at Lord's in 2024). John Lever (7/46 vs India in Delhi (1976) has been pushed down by Atkinson to 4th spot.
England bowl out West Indies for 121 in first innings on Day 1 of ENG vs WI 1st Test
At one stage, West Indies stood at 88 for 3, but collapsed swiftly under Atkinson's fiery pace bowling. The entire team was bowled out for 121 runs in just 41.4 overs.
James Anderson, in his farewell Test, picked just one wicket in first innings, conceding 26 runs in 10 overs, including 3 maiden overs. Captain Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes chipped in with a wicket each.