December 7, 2024: Gus Atkinson has been on a remarkable rise in Test cricket, and his recent hat-trick against New Zealand in the second Test at Wellington is a testament to his growing reputation. The 26-year-old England pacer achieved the feat by dismissing Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee in successive deliveries during the 35th over of New Zealand’s second innings, helping bowl them out for just 125 runs.
Speaking after the match, Atkinson expressed his surprise at the achievement, saying that he never anticipated a hat-trick but was pleased with how his plans worked out. “Our plans worked out well in the morning, and the batters batted pretty well. Never thought of getting a hat-trick, but it was nice to get it,” he said. Atkinson attributed his success to executing a well-thought-out strategy of setting up the New Zealand batters with shorter balls before aiming for the yorker. Despite not feeling his best the previous day, he found his rhythm on Saturday and credited his success to the preparation and focus on the game.
Atkinson’s hat-trick is notable not just because of the achievement itself, but because it made him the first England pacer to achieve this milestone since Stuart Broad against Sri Lanka in 2014. He also became the 14th England bowler overall to take a Test hat-trick, and the 15th instance of an England player achieving this feat in Test cricket. It was the 47th hat-trick in men’s Test cricket history, further adding to the significance of the moment.
Since his Test debut earlier this year against the West Indies, Atkinson has had an impressive start to his career. His debut at Lord’s was particularly memorable, where he took a stunning 12-wicket haul — 7/45 and 5/61 — marking a fantastic beginning at one of cricket’s most iconic venues. With his recent performances, including the hat-trick, Atkinson has quickly become one of England’s brightest young fast-bowling prospects, and fans will be eager to see how he continues to develop in the Test arena.
