Gus Atkinson. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
With the ODI World Cup 2023 looming around the corner, every participating side in world cricket are preparing in full swing for the upcoming marquee event that is set to begin on October 5, in India. Just like every other side taking part in the tournament, England and New Zealand join the fray as they gear up to better prepare themselves by facing each other in a four-match ODI series. Both sides faced each other in the first ODI of the series on Friday, September 8, at the Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground, in Cardiff.
Notably, one of the most talked-about inclusions in England’s side for the first ODI was that of pacer Gus Atkinson. Before his much-anticipated debut, Gus Atkinson was handed his debut cap by none other than the legendary Stuart Broad. In a video shared by the official handle of the hosts, Broad was seen giving a speech during the team huddle.
“I won’t keep you too long, but thanks, Jos and Motty, for the invite. It’s always very special, as an ex-player, to come into a huddle, especially with such an exciting time around the corner with the cricket you’ve got coming up. Ultimately, I watch this team, a white ball team, as a fan and as a supporter, and everything you have done over the last few years has been so special in bringing entertainment, fun, and enjoyment to everyone that watches you,” Broad said in the video shared by England Cricket.
A touching message from Broady on a special afternoon for Gus Atkinson 🥰
🎙️ @StuartBroad8#EnglandCricket #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/0Lb856EaKj
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 8, 2023
Furthermore, Stuart Broad also admitted to being a huge admirer of Gus Atkinson. The former pacer opined that he had been following Atkinson and how he plays, lauding his ability to take crucial wickets, and Broad handed him his debut cap.
“Gus, I have got cap 270. I am such a big fan of yours. I know I don’t know you personally, and we’ve not met, but I have watched you over a period of time now, and I love everything that you do. I love your attributes and how competitive you are. It gives me great pleasure to give you this England ODI cap,” Broad added.
Atkinson failed to claim a wicket against New Zealand but known for his sheer pace
Speaking of Gus Atkinson’s performance in his debut game in the ongoing series, the pacer bowled seven overs against New Zealand. However, he failed to take a wicket and conceded 47 runs in the process. Consequently, England lost the game. Interestingly, the Three Lions see him as another potential 90-plus mph (Miles per hour) pacer in the set-up.
Moreover, they believe he is someone like Mark Wood who bowls with a fiery pace at will and with ease and has performed well in county cricket. Hence, Gus Atkinson will be keen to put up an improved performance in the upcoming matches to help his side make a comeback against New Zealand.