England’s rising fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July. The 26-year-old made a significant impact during the month, helping England secure a 3-0 clean sweep over West Indies in their Test series.
Key Highlights:
- First Test Performance: Atkinson was unstoppable in the first Test at Lord’s, where he tore through the West Indian batting lineup. He took seven wickets in the first innings and followed it up with five more in the second, finishing with outstanding match figures of 12/106. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award as England won by an innings and 114 runs.
- Consistency in the Series: Atkinson continued his impressive form throughout the series. In the second Test, he took four wickets, helping England to a commanding 241-run victory.
- Series Finale: In the third Test, Atkinson was again the star with six wickets, ensuring England’s 10-wicket win and a series sweep. Over the course of the series, he bowled 88.5 overs, taking 22 wickets at an average of 16.22, including two five-wicket hauls and a four-wicket haul.
Atkinson expressed his gratitude and excitement after receiving the award. “It is a real privilege to win the ICC Player of the Month! The start to my Test career has been unbelievable, and I never imagined achieving this level of success in my first series with England,” Atkinson said. He also thanked his teammates and acknowledged the positive environment created by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.