Gus Atkinson etched his name into the annals of cricket history when he secured a hat-trick against New Zealand during the second day of the second Test in Wellington. This remarkable achievement marks Atkinson as the 15th bowler for England to achieve such a feat in Test cricket. The match scenario provided an excellent backdrop for Atkinson’s moment of brilliance, as he tore through the New Zealand line-up, sending shockwaves through the batting order.
On that notable day of cricket, Atkinson’s first target was Nathan Smith, whom he dismissed with a delivery that caught the batsman off guard during an attempted leave. Following this, he rattled Matt Henry’s defense, leading to a simple catch in the gully, before finally trapping Tim Southee leg before wicket (lbw). This incredible sequence of three wickets in three immediate deliveries showcased Atkinson’s bowling prowess and instilled a sense of excitement amongst spectators and players alike.
The achievement adds to an extraordinary year for the 26-year-old bowler who debuted earlier in July against the West Indies at the historic grounds of Lord’s, where he made an impressive start by taking 12 wickets. His performances didn’t stop there; he further established his expertise by scoring a century and claiming a five-wicket haul in a game against Sri Lanka at the same venue. Atkinson’s accomplishments in such a short span highlight his potential and skill, making him a player to watch for the future.
Atkinson’s hat-trick concluded the New Zealand innings at a mere 125 runs, leaving them significantly behind England’s total of 280 runs. His feat marked the first Test hat-trick for England since Moeen Ali’s against South Africa in 2017 at The Oval, and the first recorded away hat-trick for the team since Ryan Sidebottom achieved the same against New Zealand in Hamilton 16 years prior. With this performance, Atkinson joined the illustrious ranks of only 14 other English cricketers to achieve a Test hat-trick, a list that notably includes iconic players like Stuart Broad.
The exemplary performance unfolded on a day when New Zealand resumed their innings at a precarious position of 86-5, still facing a daunting 194 runs deficit. Brydon Carse, another pace bowler, contributed promptly by claiming two wickets quickly, asserting pressure on the Kiwi lineup. New Zealand’s brief counter-attack, spearheaded by Smith and Glenn Phillips, ended abruptly with Atkinson’s intervention. Smith’s dismissal highlighted the intensity of Atkinson’s bowling, where an unexpected bounce caused the ball to strike the stumps in an unanticipated fashion.
Atkinson not only carved a niche by taking a hat-trick but also became part of a select group of cricketers who have achieved both a Test century and a hat-trick in their careers. He joins a list of illustrious bowlers including the likes of Moeen Ali and Broad, as well as legends from the cricketing world such as Wasim Akram and Harbhajan Singh.
Adding to the significance of Atkinson’s achievement is the fact that it occurred at the iconic Basin Reserve, a venue that has witnessed many memorable cricketing moments throughout its long history. In retrospect, Atkinson’s performance is not just a reflection of his personal skill but also underscores the young bowler’s significance in the landscape of modern cricket, promising a bright future ahead as part of England’s formidable cricket squad.
