Gus Atkinson has opened up about his debut in Test cricket describing it as ‘more than I could have dreamed of’ as England’s fast Bowling transition paid off an exciting start on Day 01 of the 1st test at Lord’s.
England is scheduled to play a two-match test series against West Indies at home which features Anderson’s final tests in his international career. Playing his first red-ball game, Atkinson had an impressive home debut, picking 7 wickets for 45 in 53 balls.
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“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, to be honest, looking up at the board and seeing my figures and just thinking ‘Wow’. It’s a very special day,” he told reporters. “(It was) more than I could have dreamt for.”
Anderson who picked seven-wicket haul for Lancashire in the County Championship match against Nottinghamshire plays his 188th and last test at the same ground where his career in the format began in May 2003. “The focus was on Jimmy so it was nice to go under the radar a bit and just focus on performing as best as I could,” he said.
“To be out there alongside Jimmy in his final test was incredible, being in the Long Room, Jimmy leading us on the pitch was a pretty surreal moment,” he said, referring to a hall at Lord’s cricket ground.
Atkinson was introduced into the attack after West Indies reached 34 for no loss. Atkinson’s second delivery was inside edged on the leg stump picking the wicket of captain Kraigg Brathwaite. He took two wickets before conceding his first run. He admitted that he had some nerves before the start of his debut.
“I was a bit nervous this morning – woke up and all you could think about was the day ahead,” he said. “I tried to keep as level as possible. My dad was saying ‘It’s the biggest day of your life’ and I was like ‘Relax! Relax – try not to think like that,” he laughed.
“Once the first few overs were bowled, I was pretty calm.” He also said he had been quietly confident in his own ability, having previously played some shorter matches at Lord’s that had helped him get used to the ground.
“I’ve played a few white ball games here. It was special, I’ve always felt like I would bowl quite well here with the red ball so to be able to come out and get the opportunity in the first test of the summer is great, and thankfully it went well.”
Coming to the match, West Indies concluded their first innings for 121 runs. Responding to the score England scored 189 runs for three wickets by the end of day 01 at Lord’s.
