Forget Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson in Lord’s can make trouble for Shubman Gill and co -in ING 3rd Test

With their bowling running into the ground, England have summoned Gus Atkinson for the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s. Atkinson was unavailable for selection after a hamstring injury but could feature with England aiming to bounce back. Should the 27-year-old feature, he could prove to be a thorn in the flesh for Shubman Gill and Co – especially at Lord’s.

Gus Atkinson could be in line to make a return to the England XI for the 3rd test at Lord’s. Ben Stokes named an unchanged Xi for the two Tests, featuring a pace attack of Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse. The trio alongside Ben Stokes sent down 281 overs in the span of two weeks. At Edgbaston, England were on the field on 4 out of 5 days, as India batted them out of the contest on a flat track.

Gus Atkinson and Lord’s – A record that could spell danger for India

\With just 3 days between the two Tests and complete reset of the attack is expected. While the focus is on Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson could well be India’s trouble man. The 27-year-old has played 12 Tests, taking 55 wickets at a fine average of 22.30. With no Mark Wood, Atkinson is the side’s genuine quick, with the ability to bowl around the 150 kmph mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGGGZGZGIZG3ENJAG

The 27-year-old is far more lethal at Lord’s. Atkinson has 3 five-wicket hauls in 4 innings at the home of cricket. The England placer has 19 wickets at the venue, including 12 on his Test debut. He averages a shocking 10.94 at the venue. Atkinson also has a century to his name at the venue.

Gus Atkinson at Lord’s

• Innings: 4
• Wickets: 19
• Average: 10.94
• BBI: 7/45

England’s attack in the first two Tests struggled to make an impression. Their lack of pace was dealt by Shubman Gill and Co with ease. India plundered more than a 1000 runs in Edgbaston, with Gill himself scoring 430. Pace with variable bounce however could be threatening, as witnessed by Karun Nair’s dismissal in the 1st innings.

With Archer for company, Atkinson could make life difficult for the visitors. Coach Brendon McCullum has called for more pace and bounce in Lord’s. The 27-year-old, if fully fit, could be more than what the coach asked for with the series on the line.