Times are tough for the England cricket team. Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against the West Indies with a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old suffered the fracture while playing for England in their recent, one-sided Test win against Zimbabwe. They took the final victory by an innings and 45 runs.
Atkinson has indeed withdrawn from the series, becoming the second male player to do so due to injury. He comes in for Jofra Archer, who was ruled out with a finger injury he incurred while playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With both players out, England depart without naming replacements for the three-match ODI series.
And the ODIs against the West Indies will open on 29 May with a day-night match at Edgbaston. It’s a particularly important series too, as it’ll be Harry Brook’s first test as England’s new white-ball leader. Atkinson failed to win selection in the initial T20 squad for the series against West Indies. Now, his exclusion from the ODI starting XI is indeed causing a real uproar among Netizens and selectors.
Despite this significant injury, anticipation remains high for Atkinson’s recovery. Medical staff are confident he will recover his match fitness in time for England’s five-match Test series against India. That series gets underway on 20 June at Headingley. This excitement for what should be his return underscores how essential he’ll be to the team’s long-term plans.
The three T20 internationals against West Indies will start soon after the ODIs. Save the date for June 6 at Seat Unique Riverside in Chester-le-Street! This series will provide an opportunity for other players to step up in the absence of both Atkinson and Archer.
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