In the lead-up to the highly anticipated IND vs ENG five-Test series that gets underway on June 20 at Edgbaston, Birmingham, England has suffered a big blow. Talented young fast bowler Gus Atkinson is now in doubt for the series opener after suffering a hamstring injury.
The injury was sustained while England was playing its recent one-off four-day Test match against Zimbabwe. After the setback, Atkinson was also sidelined from the current ODI series against the West Indies. England initially believed in his early recovery, but according to a BBC report, Atkinson is far from being back to full fitness.
Advertisement
Gus Atkinson‘s injury is the most recent in a series of mishaps for England’s fast-bowling attack. Important pacers like Mark Wood and Olly Stone are already out for the whole IND vs ENG series.
Further complicating matters for England, Jofra Archer is out too after incurring a thumb injury for the 2025 season playing with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Archer’s red-ball cricket comeback is still pending.
Recent Form of England Pacers
During the singleton Test against Zimbabwe, Gus Atkinson was one of the most impressive bowlers, claiming three wickets. His pacery colleagues Josh Tongue and Samuel James Cook claimed two and one wickets, respectively.
England captain Ben Stokes also chipped in with three wickets, demonstrating his all-round potential. Matthew Potts, another seam bowling option, played in the ODI series against West Indies and secured two wickets in the third match after replacing injured Jamie Overton.
Pacers Likely to be a Part of the IND vs ENG Test Series
England will more than likely look to Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse for the IND vs ENG Tests should Gus Atkinson’s availability remain uncertain. Woakes is recovering from an ankle injury and should make an appearance in the second unofficial Test for England Lions versus India A on June 6.
Brydon Carse, who impressed in the ODIs against West Indies with four wickets, is also under consideration and adds value with his batting skills.
England Test Team Squad Announcement Due Next Week
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is likely to announce the entire squad for the IND vs ENG Test series next week. Young batsman Jacob Bethell is likely to be brought back into the setup after sitting out the Zimbabwe Test. Everyone will be keeping an eye on the ECB’s choices as they attempt to juggle their injury-ravaged pace attack.
India Test Squad for IND vs ENG Series
India has already named a strong team for the series, with Shubman Gill as captain and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain. Here is the entire lineup:
Shubman Gill (c)
Rishabh Pant (vc & wk)
Advertisement
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Sai Sudharsan
Abhimanyu Easwaran
Karun Nair
Nitish Reddy
Ravindra Jadeja
Dhruv Jurel (wk)
Washington Sundar
Shardul Thakur
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammad Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Akash Deep
Arshdeep Singh
Kuldeep Yadav
The loss of Gus Atkinson would be expensive for England in the IND vs ENG high-pressure Test series. With several frontline pacers ruled out with injuries, England’s depth in bowling will be put to the test. As the clock ticks toward June 20, supporters and selectors alike will be eagerly waiting to see whom the Three Lions turn to in Atkinson’s absence.
ALSO READ: Cric Files Best Playing 11 For IPL 2025 Season
Advertisement