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Gus Atkinson etched his name into the Lord's honours board on August 30, 2024, as he scored his first Test century in England's match against Sri Lanka.
Gus Atkinson's historic century for England
Primarily known for his bowling skills, Atkinson scripted history by becoming the first England No. 8 batter to score a Test century since Peter Willey in 1980. His remarkable feat came against West Indies at the Oval, solidifying his reputation as a formidable all-rounder.
Starting Day 2 on 74, Atkinson continued his impressive form. He began with a flurry of boundaries off Lahiru Kumara, showcasing his aggressive batting style. Despite a brief scare when he was given out leg before wicket, a successful review ensured he remained at the crease. Adhering to England's Bazball approach, Atkinson continued to score at a rapid pace. He consistently found boundaries, reaching the 90s with relative ease. Finally, in the 93rd over, Atkinson completed his maiden Test century with a stylish boundary. His achievement marked a memorable moment in his career and solidified his reputation as a valuable all-rounder.
Gus Atkinson reached his maiden Test century in just 103 balls on Friday, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. He continued his aggressive approach, hitting another boundary to end the over. Atkinson had come to the crease on Day 1 with England in a precarious position. However, his quickfire innings helped to consolidate the team's position and set a challenging target for Sri Lanka. This century also marked his highest first-class score.
Despite his impressive performance, Atkinson was eventually dismissed for 118 runs off 115 balls, caught by Rathnayake. His innings included 14 boundaries and 4 sixes, demonstrating his powerful hitting ability.
Gus Atkinson: A Modern-Day Kallis?
Gus Atkinson's batting display in the Lord's Test against Sri Lanka caught the attention of many fans due to its striking resemblance to the technique of the legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis. Some of Atkinson's shots on Day 1 and 2 evoked memories of Kallis's elegant and powerful strokes. Joe Root, who had also scored a century in the match, was particularly impressed by Atkinson's batting. In a video uploaded by the ECB, Root compared Atkinson's sixes to those of Kallis, highlighting the similarity in their technique and execution. Atkinson's hundred played a crucial role in England's innings, helping the team surpass the 400-run mark with relative ease. His performance demonstrated his versatility and potential as a valuable all-rounder for the English team.
