Gus Atkinson's absence from both England's fourth Test XI and Surrey's County Championship side has sparked interest across the cricketing circuit. The 27-year-old fast bowler returned from injury earlier this month.
He has now found himself in a rare situation: fit and available yet left out of two major teams in the same week. Atkinson has not played a first-class match since suffering a hamstring injury during England's Test against Zimbabwe in May.
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While he recovered in time to be part of the squad from the third India Test onward and even turned out for his club side, he has not bowled in a competitive red-ball fixture for over two months.
Why did England not pick Gus Atkinson vs. India?
Despite being part of the squad for the Manchester Test, England opted not to include Atkinson in their playing XI for the fourth Test match against India.
With the series delicately poised at 2-1 in their favour, the team chose experience and control over taking a chance on a fast bowler returning from an injury, according to ESPN Cricinfo's Vithushan Ehantharajah.
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The soft outfield and need for reliable overs from support bowlers pushed England to stick with Chris Woakes who retained his spot despite a modest return in the series so far.
Surrey also sit Gus Atkinson out
England were open to Atkinson gaining match time by featuring in Surrey's County Championship game against Yorkshire. But the county also left him out, citing similar concerns.
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With the Kookaburra ball in use and the title race tight, Surrey lead Division One by just a point. Risking an undercooked seamer was not a gamble they were willing to take.
Instead, Atkinson will play a second XI match against Somerset at New Malden.
England’s playing XI in IND vs ENG 4th Test at Manchester
England, on the other hand, is going with one forced change as Shoaib Bashir was ruled out of the series. Liam Dawson, the left-arm spinner, has replaced Bashir in the XI.
Confirmed Playing XI (England):
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Liam Dawson
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Jofra Archer
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