Englandfast bowler Gus Atkinson produced a brilliant spell of bowling on Day 2 of the second Test against New Zealand on Saturday at Basin Reserve. Atkinson’s remarkable feat not only swung the match in England’s favour, but also put him in an elite group of bowlers as the 15th England cricketer to take a hat-trick in Test cricket.
The moment of brilliance came during New Zealand’s first innings, when Atkinson’s accuracy and skill quickly dismantled the Kiwi middle and lower order, sending shockwaves through the Basin Reserve crowd.
Dramatic over: Gus Atkinson’s triple strike
The hat-trick started with Atkinson’s goal in the 35th minute Nathan Smith (14). Tempted Smith; too late to pull back his bat, he could only direct the ball onto his stumps.
There was a crease on the side Matt HenryKnown for his toughness with the bat, he averages close to 20 in Tests. However, Atkinson’s ruthless accuracy proved too much for him. A sharp, chest-high shot from short range forced Henry into a defensive swindle, eventually catching him. Ben Duckett in the creek.
The stage is set for a hat-trick ball. veteran Tim SoutheeOne of New Zealand’s most experienced campaigners, he went in with high hopes. Known for his ability to counter-attack, Southee looked ready for another short ball given the field around him. But Atkinson edged it out with a full, straight delivery that didn’t hesitate to raise the finger from umpire Rod Tucker.
We present the video:
Gus Atkinson scores a hat trick pic.twitter.com/366soOjq6T
— IPL (@WatchIPLvideos) December 7, 2024
Also WATCH: NZ vs ENG – Daryl Mitchell takes a breathtaking one-hander to dismiss Joe Root on Day 1 of the second Test
A rare feat in Test cricket
Atkinson’s hat-trick is South Africa’s first since June 2021, a rare milestone in Test cricket. Keshav Maharaj He was very successful against West Indies. It was England’s first Test hat-trick in seven years Moeen Ali the last time he did it was in July 2017 at The Oval, which he dismissed Dean Elgar, Kagiso Rabadaand Morne Morkel in a memorable spell.
The achievement further underscores Atkinson’s growing stature as a bowler capable of creating match-defining moments. His hat-trick energized England’s campaign in the series and cemented his position as a key player for the team moving forward.
England’s hat-trick heroes
Atkinson joins an illustrious list of England bowlers who have achieved hat-tricks in Test cricket, a tradition spanning decades. Before Moeen in 2017, the likes James Anderson, Darren Goughand Matthew Hoggard had performed similar feats, showcasing England’s heritage in producing world-class bowlers.
