England’s local hero Gus Atkinson delivered a sensational performance on Day 2 of the 5th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul to dismantle India’s batting line-up. The right-arm quick ensured India were bowled out for 224 within the opening half-hour of the first session.
After Chris Woakes was forced to exit the match due to injury, Atkinson stepped up to lead the pace attack with remarkable maturity and aggression. The 27-year-old pacer, representing his nation on his home ground, showcased his skill and temperament under pressure, rattling the Indian lower order with pace and accuracy.
Atkinson made an early impact on Day 1, removing in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal before contributing to a crucial run-out of Indian skipper Shubman Gill. Resuming on Day 2, he returned with a fiery spell that broke the 65-run resistance between Karun Nair and Washington Sundar, before running through the tail to finish with figures of 5/33 in 21.4 overs.
This marks Atkinson’s fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, further cementing his place in England’s red-ball setup. His outstanding display handed England a golden opportunity to build a commanding first-innings lead and aim for a 3-1 series victory in the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The Indian innings, after resuming at 204/6, lasted only 5.4 overs into the morning. None of the remaining batters could withstand the relentless pressure applied by Atkinson and Co. England now heads into their first innings with momentum and a raucous home crowd behind them.