England fast bowler Gus Atkinson revealed that he never thought to get his name on the Lord’s honours board as a batter following his maiden Test ton against Sri Lanka.
- Gus Atkinson scored maiden Test hundred at Lord’s
- Atkinson became 6th player with a century and 10-fer at Lord’s
- Atkinson scored 118 (115) smashing 14 fours and four sixes
England fast bowler Gus Atkinson expressed his disbelief and excitement after scoring his maiden Test century on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka. Atkinson, who scored a remarkable 118 off 115 balls, including 14 fours and four sixes, helped England amass 427 runs in their first innings.
“It was very surreal; I don’t think it has sunk in yet. To be out there and score a hundred—I never imagined being on the Lord’s honours board for batting. It was a special day, especially with my dad, brother, and sister here for my brother’s birthday,” Atkinson shared after the day’s play.
With his century, Atkinson joined an elite group, becoming only the sixth player to score a hundred and take a ten-wicket haul at Lord’s. Earlier in his career, he made an impressive debut by taking a 12-wicket haul against the West Indies in July. Atkinson now features on all three honours boards at the historic venue: for five-wicket hauls, ten-wicket hauls, and centuries.
The 26-year-old achieved this milestone in just four innings, making him the fastest player to do so. England ended Day 2 with a commanding position, having bowled out Sri Lanka for 196 and securing a significant 231-run lead. They concluded the day at 25/1 after seven overs, with Ben Duckett (15*) and Ollie Pope (2*) at the crease.
