Gus Atkinson's hamstring injury worries England ahead of India Test

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-06-04 14:57:10 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-09 11:39:13

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Zimbabwean all-rounder John Evans stole the spotlight from England's rising star Gus Atkinson with a brilliant century in the second innings during the one-off Test. While Evans' heroics stole the show, injuries posed a different type of spotlight on England, with Atkinson suffering a hamstring injury that could rule him out of the first Test against India.

Atkinson's injury woes started when he pulled up just two overs into his spell on the third day of the Test. The right-armer was forced to leave the field and did not return for the remainder of the Test match.

England will release their updated squad list on Tuesday, and Atkinson's name seems to be a cause for concern. The 27-year-old, who impressed many in county cricket, has been a regular feature in the Test side since his debut against West Indies last year, picking up 15 wickets in six matches.

If Atkinson is unable to recover in time for the first Test against India, it is likely that Mark Wood will be brought back into the squad. Although Wood has not been able to play for the England side since the tour of the West Indies in March 2022, he has been in good form in county cricket.

Wood, who was included in the initial squad for the Zimbabwe series, missed out on the opportunity to play against Zimbabwe due to a hip injury. However, the lightning quick bowler is now fully fit and raring to go.

Wood, who plays for Durham, has taken seven wickets in the County Championship so far this season. His experience playing in Indian conditions could also prove to be a vital asset for England, given that the team has barely any experience of Indian conditions.

Only time will tell if Atkinson can recover in time for the first Test against India. England will be hoping that the injury is not as serious as it seems and that Atkinson can find a way to play a part in the highly anticipated series.

Meanwhile, India will also be hoping to bounce back from their lacklustre performance in the brief ODI series. The two cricketing giants will face off in a four-match Test series, with the first Test starting on August 25 at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham.

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