Gus Atkinson Shines with Five-Wicket Haul at The Oval Against India

Atkinson's Impressive Performance

London [UK], August 1: England's fast bowler Gus Atkinson achieved his fourth five-wicket haul at The Oval during the concluding Test match against India, marking the second-best bowling performance by a pacer at this iconic venue.

Continuing his excellent form in Test cricket, Atkinson recorded figures of 5/33 over 21.4 overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 1.52. His victims included notable players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

The record for the best bowling figures by a pacer against India at The Oval is held by Gubby Allen, who took 7/80 back in 1936.

In his 13 Test matches, Atkinson has claimed 60 wickets at an average of 21.00, with his best performance being 7/45 at Lord's during his debut Test, which coincidentally was also the last match for James Anderson.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, England managed to reduce India to 153/6. A significant partnership of 58 runs between Karun Nair (57 runs off 109 balls, including eight fours) and Washington Sundar (26 runs off 55 balls, with three fours) was the highlight of India's innings, which concluded at 224 runs. Alongside Atkinson's stellar performance, Josh Tongue also contributed with 3/57.

In response, England ended the first session at 109/1, with Zak Crawley remaining unbeaten on 52 runs off 43 balls (12 fours) and Ollie Pope on 12 runs off 16 balls (two fours). Duckett also played a crucial role, scoring 43 runs off 38 balls, including five fours and two sixes, as he and Crawley built a solid 92-run opening partnership, effectively dismantling the Indian bowling attack.