atching Gus Atkinson in this Test match feels like revisiting the promising bowler who burst onto the England scene last summer.
It’s clear to me that he deserves a spot in the Ashes starting XI.
England need bowlers who can adapt and perform in all kinds of conditions, and Atkinson fits that bill perfectly.
Filling the Gap Left by Woakes’ Injury
With Chris Woakes sidelined by a shoulder injury, the door swings wide open for Atkinson to step in for the first Test in Perth.
I’d pair him with Jamie Smith at No. 7, and alongside the spinner—whoever gets picked—we’d have Atkinson plus one from Mark Wood or Jofra Archer.
Given Archer’s recent form, he’d probably get the nod, accompanied by Brydon Carse or Josh Tongue, and, of course, Ben Stokes.
Why Atkinson’s Style Works in Australia
People often say you need sheer pace to succeed in Australia, but look back at legends like Glenn McGrath—he wasn’t the fastest but had skill and enough speed to trouble batsmen. Atkinson is similar.
He consistently bowls around 85mph but moves the ball cleverly, which can rush and unsettle the batter.
It’s that mix of skill and speed that gets early wickets on tough Australian pitches.
A Strong Comeback with Impressive Control
Atkinson’s five-for-33 in the first innings, especially on his first Test appearance since May, showed how well he can manage movement compared to others like Tongue or Overton, who struggled a bit on this pitch.
Sure, he benefited from the pitch offering sideways movement, but coming back fresh and bowling beautifully on a grassy surface after others faced flat, lifeless pitches is a great sign.
Back From Injury and Bowling Like He Never Left
It’s impressive how quickly Atkinson found his rhythm after returning from a hamstring injury.
His only bowling since then was 30 overs for Surrey’s second team last week, yet it was as if he never missed a beat.
Although his speed dipped slightly towards the end of 2024, likely from the workload, he’s been England’s standout bowler here.
He’s hit the right lengths and mixed up deliveries cleverly, keeping batsmen on their toes.
Calmness and Skill Set Atkinson Apart
What stands out most is Atkinson’s calm approach.
Like his Surrey teammate Jamie Smith, he seems tailor-made for Test cricket—steady, unemotional, just focused on doing his job.
That’s a quality I really admire in a player.
While some, like Mohammed Siraj, wear their emotions on their sleeve, Atkinson prefers to let his bowling speak for itself—and it’s been speaking loud and clear.