
England’s Gus Atkinson has continued to build an impressive career, now joining Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah in an elite list of bowlers achieving remarkable feats in Test cricket. Atkinson recently became the fourth bowler in history to record a rare double: scoring a Test century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same match at Lord’s, a feat that places him among cricket’s most versatile talents. His achievement follows the historical exploits of Bumrah, who has consistently dominated bowling milestones
Record-Breaking Feats
In addition to this double, Atkinson also matched Bumrah’s record of excelling in high-pressure matches, showcasing his ability to adapt across formats. Bumrah recently became the highest wicket-taker in 2024, highlighting his continued brilliance, particularly in India’s clash with New Zealand. Both players exemplify the modern trend of all-format players excelling under challenging conditions
Statistical Brilliance
Atkinson’s statistics already place him alongside legends. His early-career highlights include 12 wickets in a Test debut match against the West Indies, making him one of the few bowlers to achieve such numbers. Similarly, Bumrah’s prowess has made him a household name, with milestones like achieving the most Test wickets in a calendar year
This mutual pursuit of excellence by Bumrah and Atkinson serves as a reminder of the evolving skill sets of modern cricketers, capable of achieving greatness in both batting and bowling.