Gus Atkinson has been exceptional in the 1st Test match against the West Indies, becoming the second-best English bowler on debut.
In the farewell match of English legend James Anderson, England has discovered another gem in pacer Gus Atkinson. The right-arm medium pacer took seven wickets on the first day of his maiden Test, achieving the best bowling figures for an English player in a debut Test.
England pacers best spells in maiden Test
In the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s, Gus Atkinson recorded the second-best figures for an English bowler on debut. He took seven wickets while conceding only 43 runs. Dominic Cork holds the record for the best debut spell by an English bowler, also taking seven wickets but conceding just 43 runs.
| Player | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opposition |
| AE Trott | 43 | 8 | 1.59 | Australia | v England |
| RAL Massie | 53 | 8 | 1.93 | Australia | v England |
| ND Hirwani | 61 | 8 | 3.29 | India | v West Indies |
| L Klusener | 64 | 8 | 2.97 | South Africa | v India |
| ND Hirwani | 75 | 8 | 4.89 | India | v West Indies |
| RAL Massie | 84 | 8 | 2.55 | Australia | v England |
| AL Valentine | 104 | 8 | 2.08 | West Indies | v England |
| JJ Krejza | 215 | 8 | 4.9 | Australia | v India |
| KJ Abbott | 29 | 7 | 2.48 | South Africa | v Pakistan |
| AAP Atkinson | 45 | 7 | 3.75 | England | v West Indies |
Atkinson’s maiden wicket came with the dismissal of West Indian captain Kraigg Brathwaite. He then went on to dismiss Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze. The English pacer dismantled the West Indian side further by taking the scalps of Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva. Finally, he claimed two more wickets, Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, to complete his impressive performance.
Best figures in a innings on debut in Tests
| Player | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opposition |
| DG Cork | 43 | 7 | 2.2 | England | v West Indies |
| Gus Atkinson | 45 | 7 | 3.75 | England | v West Indies |
| JK Lever | 46 | 7 | 2 | England | v India |
| AV Bedser | 49 | 7 | 1.68 | England | v India |
| James Langridge | 56 | 7 | 3.29 | England | v West Indies |
Editors pick
