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England’s young sensation Gus Atkinson got off to a great start to his international career and claimed four wickets on debut against New Zealand in the second T20I of the three-match series. The brilliant bowling performance from Atkinson helped England seal the leg and gain an unassailable lead, as they had already won the opening game.
Gus Atkinson’s four-wicket haul guides England to a comprehensive win over New Zealand
The match took place at the Manchester and saw Atkinson finish with an impressive figures of 2.5-0-20-4 after England posted a total of 198/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Jonny Bairstow‘s unbeaten 86 runs off 60 deliveries and Harry Brook‘s 67 off 36 balls were the major highlights of England’s innings.
In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for just 103 runs in 13.5 overs, with Atkinson claiming the wickets of Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson in his spell of four overs.
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Michael Atherton draws parallels between Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson
Following England’s victory over New Zealand in the second T20I, many fans and cricket experts lauded Atkinson for his sensational bowling performance. Among all, England’s former skipper Michael Atherton also heaped praises on the 25-year-old by drawing similarities between him and Jofra Archer.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Atherton appreciated Atkinson’s sheer pace by highlighting his performance in the recently concluded The Hundred 2023. He also observed that sustaining injuries have made the pacer more confident and the he’s bowling much faster than before.
Atherton further drew parallels between Archer and Atkinson, stating that both the seamers have a beautiful wrist action and target the stumps.
“He has eye-catching pace. He bowled an unbelievably fast spell against Buttler in The Hundred [for Oval Invincibles against Manchester Originals]. I think his game has gone up a level this year,” said Atherton.
“He feels confident in his body at last having gone through many injuries as a young player and is bowling quicker than before. I think there are similarities with Archer. A beautiful wrist action and in tight to the stumps,” he added.
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