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England's Express Pacer Gus Atkinson All Set To Miss First Test Against India

Arnav Chopra

Gus Atkinson (Source: @TheBarmyArmy/X.com)Gus Atkinson (Source: @TheBarmyArmy/X.com)

In what comes as troubling news, England's express pacer, Gus Atkinson, in all likelihood, will be missing the first Test against India. The pacer sustained a right hamstring injury against Zimbabwe, and has since been on his road to recovery.

Trouble Brewing For England As Atkinson To Miss First Test

England's spearhead pacer Gus Atkinson has been at the forefront of bowling attack since last summer after the retirements of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. However, concerning news is coming courtesy of the BBC, who have reported that Atkinson might be missing the first Test against India slated to be played from the 20th of June at Headingley.

The news is that Atkinson, who injured his right hamstring during the only four-day Test against Zimbabwe, is struggling on his road to recovery. The pacer bowled 13.2 overs in the first innings, picking two wickets, while in the second, he bowled only six, with a wicket to his name, as England marched on to a comfortable victory over the Chevrons by innings and 45 runs.

Following which, Atkinson missed the one-day series against the West Indies side, and it was hoped by the England Cricket Board (ECB) that the pacer would be fit in time for the first Test. However, with the latest reports coming that it might take him a few extra days to get fully recovered from what could get deteriorated if rushed back early.

Also, it is worth noting that the 27-year-old has featured in 12 of England's 13 Test matches since the beginning of last season, after the retirement of two stalwarts of English cricket where he has bagged 55 wickets so far.

England's Long List Of Injuries Extends

To the unversed, Atkinson joins a long list of players already ruled out, which includes express pacers Mark Wood and Olly Stone. As the match approaches, the English side is already under stress with the injury of their premium pacer, Jofra Archer, who will be missing out on red-ball cricket due to his latest thumb injury.

With Atkinson almost ruled out, it is expected that the pacers Josh Tongue, alongside Sam Cook, Brydon Carse, and Matthew Potts, could get a look in for the first Test, which might also include Chris Woakes.

The Three Lions will likely name the squad for the Indian series next week, where vice-captain Ollie Pope will be competing with Jacob Bethell for a spot in the Test side, which features some high-profile names, including skipper Ben Stokes.