‘More than I could have dreamt for’ - Gus Atkinson elated after claiming seven-wicket haul on debut

England pacer Gus Atkinson was elated after his seven-for on debut against West Indies at the iconic Lord’s. After consistent performances for Surrey in domestic cricket, Atkinson finally got into the England set-up, keeping Ashes 2025 in mind. 

After the game, the 26-year-old noted that he benefitted a lot by not being in the limelight on his debut. James Anderson’s farewell was the centre point of all discussions which gave Atkinson the freedom to express himself. 

The Chelsea-born pacer also mentioned that he achieved more than he dreamt of on his debut. He called it a ‘special day’ and added that sharing the dressing room with the legendary Anderson on his final Test and walking on the Lord’s pitch as an England international was a surreal moment for him.

“I don't think it's really sunk in yet to be honest, looking up at the board and seeing my figures and just thinking 'Wow'. It's a very special day. (It was) more than I could have dreamt for,” Atkinson was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.

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“The focus was on Jimmy so it was nice to go under the radar a bit and just focus on performing as best as I could. To be out there alongside Jimmy in his final test was incredible, being in the Long Room, Jimmy leading us on the pitch was a pretty surreal moment,” he added. 

After restricting West Indies to 121 runs in the first innings, England batters had a terrific night, taking a lead of 68 runs after Day 1. Opener Zak Crawley once again played an aggressive brand of cricket, hitting 76 runs while Ollie Pope made 57 runs.

Veteran batters Joe Root and Harry Brook are batting on 15* and 25* runs respectively and will be hoping to help the team post a massive lead. For West Indies to make a comeback, they need quick wickets on Day 2 and bat well in the second innings. Else, the game can even finish before Day 4.