Huge praise for Joe Root for Gus Atkinson, ‘It was like watching Kallis play
In a thrilling opening day of the first Test match between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s, young seamer Gus Atkinson not only made an impression with the ball but also stunned everyone with the bat, drawing comparisons to the legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis. England’s star batter Joe Root couldn’t hide his admiration for Atkinson’s fearless performance, likening his powerful six-hitting ability to that of the South African great.
Making his Test debut at the iconic Lord’s, Gus Atkinson showed the poise and confidence of a seasoned player. Batting at number eight, Atkinson stepped onto the field with England in a precarious position. The team was struggling at 266/6 when he joined Root at the crease. What followed was a partnership that not only steadied the innings but also propelled England into a commanding position by the end of the day.
Atkinson’s unbeaten 74 off just 81 balls was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. He displayed a wide range of strokes, including five boundaries and four towering sixes, that left the crowd at Lord’s in awe. His quick-fire innings was crucial in adding 92 runs for the seventh wicket with Joe Root, pushing England’s total beyond the 300-run mark.
Joe Root, who himself played a sublime innings of 143, was full of praise for the young debutant. In a video shared by the ECB, Root expressed his amazement at Atkinson’s ability to handle the pressure and deliver such a commanding performance in his very first Test match. Root was particularly impressed with Atkinson’s straight sixes, which reminded him of the elegance and power of Jacques Kallis.
Root’s comparison of Atkinson to Kallis is no small compliment. Kallis, regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, was known for his ability to dominate with both bat and ball. To see a young player like Atkinson evoke memories of such a legend speaks volumes about his potential.
Root also opened up about his own experience on the field, particularly the nerve-wracking moments when he was stuck on 99 for 12 deliveries. Despite being one of England’s most accomplished batsmen, Root admitted to feeling the pressure as he approached his 33rd Test century, which eventually saw him level with Alastair Cook for the most hundreds by an Englishman.
Once Root reached the milestone, he quickly refocused, understanding the importance of driving the game forward. His partnership with Atkinson was instrumental in putting England in a dominant position by the end of the first day, with the team finishing at 358/7.
Root’s 143 was not just another century; it was a historic achievement. By reaching his 33rd Test hundred, he joined Alastair Cook at the top of England’s all-time list. Furthermore, it was his sixth century at Lord’s, placing him alongside Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan in the record books for the most centuries at the famous venue.
Root’s innings was a blend of classical stroke play and gritty determination. His 206-ball stay at the crease was adorned with 18 boundaries, each one a testament to his technical proficiency and mental toughness. The fact that he was able to achieve this milestone while also nurturing a debutant at the other end highlights Root’s leadership qualities and his ability to inspire confidence in his teammates.
As the first day came to a close, England found themselves in a position of strength, largely thanks to the heroics of Root and Atkinson. The team’s total of 358/7 has given them a solid foundation to build on as they head into the second day of the Test match. With Atkinson still at the crease on 74* and Matthew Potts providing support with an unbeaten 20, England will be looking to push their score beyond 400, putting Sri Lanka under significant pressure when they come to bat.
The partnership between Root and Atkinson will be remembered as one of the highlights of the day, not just for the runs it produced, but for the manner in which it was constructed. Root’s experience combined with Atkinson’s youthful exuberance created a synergy that bodes well for England’s future.
Gus Atkinson’s debut performance, coupled with Joe Root’s masterful century, has given England fans plenty to cheer about. Atkinson’s ability to deliver under pressure and draw comparisons to a player of Jacques Kallis’s caliber is a testament to his talent and potential. As England continues their Test series against Sri Lanka, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on this exciting new talent.
For now, England can take comfort in the knowledge that they have not only secured a strong position in this match but have also unearthed a gem in Gus Atkinson. As the series progresses, cricket enthusiasts will be eager to see how Atkinson continues to develop and whether he can live up to the lofty comparisons made by one of England’s greatest batsmen.
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