Pacer Gus Atkinson registered the second-best bowling figures on Test debut by an English player during the opening day’s play of the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s on Wednesday.
Atkinson picked seven for 45 in 12 overs as West Indies was bowled out for 121 shortly after Lunch. Former England pacer Dominic Cork holds the record for the best figures by an English bowler on debut with returns of seven for 43 against West Indies at Lord’s in 1995.
The 24-year-old picked his first Test scalp off his second ball by inducing West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite to play onto his stumps. He followed it up nabbing Kirk McKenzie for his second wicket in Test cricket.
Atkinson then derailed West Indies in the 35th over by dismissing Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder off consecutive deliveries, and then removing Joshua Da Silva two balls later.
He accounted for Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph to complete his seven-wicket haul, before James Anderson dismissed Jayden Seales to deny Atkinson from becoming the first English bowler to pick eight wickets on Test debut.
Best bowling figures by an English bowler on Test debut
- Dominic Cork - 7/43 (19.3) - England vs West Indies (Lord’s, 1995)
- Gus Atkinson - 7/45 (12) - England vs West Indies (Lord’s, 2024)
- John Lever - 7/46 (23) - England vs India (Delhi, 1976)
- Alec Bedser - 7/49 (29.1) - England vs India (Lord’s, 1946)
- James Langridge - 7/56 (17) - England vs West Indies (Manchester, 1933)
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