List Of England Players To Score A Test Century At No. 8 Or Lower Ft. Gus Atkinson

Gus Atkinson scored his maiden Test hundred in ENG vs SL 2nd Test (X)

Fast bowler Gus Atkinson delivered a remarkable performance on Day 2 of the second Test between England and Sri Lanka, achieving a milestone that not only solidified England's position in the match but also added his name to an exclusive list of England Test centurions.

Batting at No. 8, Gus Atkinson converted his overnight score of 74 into a magnificent 118 off just 115 balls, marking his maiden Test century in only his fifth appearance for England.

ENG vs SL: Gus Atkinson scored a stellar 118 off 115 balls

Atkinson's century is of particular significance as it is the first by an England player batting at No. 8 or lower in over a decade. 

The speedster showcased his ability to handle pressure and play a significant role with the bat, traits that have been rarely seen in England's lower-order batsmen in recent years.

The day began with England in a strong position, but it was Atkinson who truly seized the moment. Displaying no signs of nerves, he added 44 runs to his overnight tally in the first hour, reaching his century with a well-timed shot through mid-off for four.

Atkinson’s innings not only highlight his potential as an all-rounder but also places him among an exclusive group of England cricketers who have scored Test centuries from No. 8 or lower.

Here are England batters to have scored Test centuries from number 8 or lower:

Meanwhile, Atkinson's century helped England post a formidable first-innings total of 427, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot. The visitors struggled in response, losing four wickets for just 83 runs in 20.1 overs, leaving them with a tough battle to avoid a significant first-innings deficit.

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