December 7, 2024: Gus Atkinson continued his sensational start to his Test career with a stunning hat-trick against New Zealand in the ongoing second Test at Wellington on Saturday. Atkinson’s remarkable achievement came in the 35th over, where he removed Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee in consecutive deliveries to help bundle out New Zealand for just 125 runs in their first innings.
Atkinson became the first England pacer to take a Test hat-trick since Stuart Broad did so against Sri Lanka in 2014. He became the 14th England bowler to claim a Test hat-trick, with Moeen Ali the last English player to achieve this feat in 2017.This was also the 15th Test hat-trick by an England bowler and the 47th in men’s Test cricket history, according to Wisden.
Since his debut earlier this year, Atkinson has been in dazzling form, contributing both with the ball and the bat. He started his Test career with a bang, taking a 12-wicket haul at Lord’s against the West Indies, including a five-wicket haul in both innings. Atkinson also impressed with the bat during England’s match against Sri Lanka at Lord’s in August, smashing a quick-fire 118 runs off 115 balls.
England’s dominant performance continues to show their superiority, with their batting depth and bowling attack firing in all cylinders. New Zealand will need a herculean effort to make a comeback in this Test.
