Gus Atkinsonrising star England cricket has etched his name in the history books with a stunning girl. Sri Lanka in his Lord. Atkinson’s remarkable innings not only showcased his skill with the bat but also ensured that his name is proudly displayed on three plaques at the home of cricket.
Gus Atkinson’s unbeaten start and confident continuation
Continuing on an unbeaten 74 from just 81 deliveries on day two, Atkinson showed no signs of nerves. His unlucky innings was a masterclass in positive but unmeasured Test batting. Made his international debut earlier in the summer with 12 wickets, including a five-wicket haul. James Anderson‘s last Test, Atkinson added another feather to his cap with a blistering century. His 100-delivery total, which featured 11 fours and four powerful sixes, highlighted his aggressive intent and impeccable timing.
A rare achievement at Lord’s
Atkinson’s century placed him in an elite group, making him the sixth cricketer to score a century, take five wickets in an innings and claim 10 wickets in a match at Lord’s. When he cut, his intention was clear from the beginning Lahiru Kumara Follow it up with another crisply driven four through the covers, for a boundary on the first ball of the day. His confidence was palpable as he continued to build his innings with a mix of refined stroke play and aggressive batting.
Also READ: Players with most Test centuries at Lord’s – feat Joe Root
Overcoming challenges and near misses
However, Atkinson’s journey to his century was not without challenges. On 82, he was hit on the pads by a delivery that required him to be given LBW first. Atkinson, displaying keen awareness, immediately reviewed the decision. DRS ruled the ball missing the stumps due to excessive movement and the on-field decision was overturned, much to the delight of the England balcony. Marcus Trescothick punched the festive air.
After that close call, Atkinson continued to cruise towards his century. A streaky inside edge fetched him a single, followed by another boundary that took him into the eighties. A thick edge narrowly eluded the fielders, keeping their hopes alive.
The edgy 90s and the final push
As Atkinson entered his 90s, the tension grew. He surpassed his previous highest first-class score of 91 for Surrey against a Sri Lanka development XI two years ago with a well-timed pull from the hip. The 26-year-old then moved on to 99 with a beautifully executed drive through extra cover and the ball raced towards the Warner Stand.
Atkinson, like many before him, felt the nerves at the top of his century. He needed 12 deliveries to go from 99 to 100, which was full of expectations. He almost bowled one outside the off stump but the ball eluded the bat keeping his dream intact.
Finally, the moment has come. Atkinson drove the ball straight down the ground towards the pavilion, his powerful shot pierced the field and took him to his maiden Test century. Emotions ran high as Atkinson ran, pumped his fists in triumph before removing his helmet and bursting into applause from the Lord’s crowd.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Gus Atkinson hits his first career century in a TEST MATCH! 💯
Gus joins Ian Botham at Lord’s as the fastest players to enter both Boards of Honor! 👏
Congratulations, Gussy! 🫡
🤎 | #SurreyCrickey pic.twitter.com/xFvua3CuWO
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) August 30, 2024
Gus Atkinson became the fastest man on all three Lord’s honors with just 4 overs in two games.
Ian Botham also managed it in two games but took six overs.
— Charlie Reynolds (@cwjreynolds) August 30, 2024
Gus Atkinson has more hundreds at Lord’s than Sachin Tendulkar and 5 more than Shane Warne at Lord’s.
— Will 🚾🏆 (@ohlookitswill_) August 30, 2024
Gubby Allen, Keith Miller, Ian Botham, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and now, in his first summer, Gus Atkinson – players on all three Test honors at Lord’s: a five-wicket haul, a 10-wicket haul and a century
— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) August 30, 2024
Hell of a first summer of testing for Gus Atkinson. Twelve wickets on debut, now from 8th century – both at Lord’s.
— Lawrence Booth (@BoothCricket) August 30, 2024
A hundred 💯 in the Lord
Truly a moment Gus Atkinson will never forget❤️ pic.twitter.com/Nth6qJOhYN
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024
Gus Atkinson 🔥
Gus Atkinson reaches maiden Test match century after 10th over against West Indies 💯
The name is preserved on both Lords’ Rolls of Honour.#LoveLords | #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/XLJ4P7Zlk2
— Lord’s Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) August 30, 2024
Fast bowler Gus Atkinson on 103 runs! After just 2 Tests at the venue and the 5th Test of his career, ALL 3 were awarded Lords honors. Breathtaking stuff! #EngvSL #BBCCricket pic.twitter.com/LSVWeqVzkV
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) August 30, 2024
Absolutely fantastic tattoo from Gus Atkinson #cricket #ENGvSL #Tests #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/eWgyFYMf70
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 30, 2024
Lord’s Honour’s Board – Here we come with the first test century from Gus Atkinson 💯👏
What a great moment for an England bowler!!!!!#ENGvSL #WTC2025
— Prashanth Indrakumar (@PrashanthIndra1) August 30, 2024
As good as it is to see Gus Atkinson make his century, I hope it leaves a little uneasy feeling with some of the innings played by a few of the top six to get out in such good batting conditions.
— Steven Allen (@Elephantlens) August 30, 2024
