When you catch Gus Atkinson reflecting quietly in the Trent Bridge pavilion, it’s hard to reconcile his calm demeanor with the lightning-fast bowler who made such an impact at Lord’s.
Atkinson, with his angelic blue eyes and self-effacing smile, hardly seems like the type to bowl at 90 mph and claim 12 wickets in an innings.
Yet, beneath that gentle exterior lies a fierce competitor.
At Lord’s, where he nearly stole the spotlight from Jimmy Anderson’s final Test, Atkinson was the picture of humility.
After taking the final wicket, he even apologized to Anderson, only to be met with a curt “f*** off” in return.
Despite his impressive debut, Atkinson remains grounded.
“It’s quite likely it won’t ever happen again,” he says about his 12-wicket haul. “To start like that is pretty incredible, but some people have said it’s only downhill from here.”
Atkinson’s background is as colorful as his career trajectory.
His mother’s lineage includes Thomas Cochrane, the 10th Earl of Dundonald, who led the Chilean navy in their 19th-century war of independence.
His father’s side boasts Sir Henry Norris, who played a key role in Arsenal’s controversial move and development in the early 20th century.
By setting records for England newcomers, Atkinson is already making his mark in cricket history, building on his storied heritage.
Despite his promising start, Atkinson faced setbacks.
Injuries and personal tragedies, like the loss of his mother, Caroline, in a car crash, tested his resolve.
I thought my career could go one of two ways,” he reflects. “I could either lose my focus or channel everything into my cricket.”
His perspective on the game changed, allowing him to handle setbacks with a more balanced view.
Overcoming Obstacles and Finding His Rhythm
Atkinson’s journey wasn’t without its doubts. His early bowling style, with a seemingly effortless run-up, led some to question his intensity.
Coaches and teammates alike saw his potential, though, with comments like, “He bowls a heavy ball, hits the pitch and the bat hard.” It wasn’t until Vikram Solanki encouraged him to bowl faster that Atkinson began to harness his full potential.
His impressive performances, including a 95 mph delivery and four wickets for 20 runs against New Zealand, demonstrate his growth and ability.
Handling the Spotlight and Future Ambitions
At 26, with only 20 first-class matches under his belt, Atkinson is making a name for himself. His quiet confidence and natural ability are evident.
“I’d love to play in an Ashes series, especially in Australia,” he says with a smile. Handling the pressure of international cricket seems to be second nature to him. “I always imagined being a Test cricketer and thought I could get there.”
Atkinson is focused on continuous improvement, aiming to refine every aspect of his game.
His family’s history of making significant impacts, from Henry Norris’s contributions to Arsenal to Admiral Cochrane’s naval victories, seems to have set a high bar.
Yet, Atkinson remains unfazed, embracing his own path in cricket with a calm and determined demeanor.
TDPel Media
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