The England national cricket team has made a major change to its squad for the upcoming ODI series against the Australian national cricket team. Off-spinner Gus Atkinson has been rested for the five-match series between the teams which is set to begin on September 19.
Atkinson was part of the three-match Test series against the Sri Lanka national cricket team, which the England national cricket team won by a 2-1 margin. The fast bowler has been playing Test cricket consistently for the team this summer.
Gus Atkinson made his debut for England in the Tests against the West Indies national cricket team. However, he has been playing cricket continuously since then. The fast bowler has also performed magnificently for the team as he has picked up a large number of wickets for the team.
Not only that, he also made a century with the bat. The fast bowler has been the main reason behind the team’s victory in the Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka. He was initially also added to the squad for the ODI series against the Australian National Cricket Team and was expected to play.
However, just days before the series, the England and Wales Cricket Board released an official statement. The cricket body stated that Gus Atkinson will not play the five-match ODI series against the Australian National Cricket Team.
The England and Wales Cricket Board statement said: “Surrey and England player Gus Atkinson will be rested for the upcoming Metro Bank Men’s ODI series against Australia.”
Gus Atkinson injured and England name Olly Stone as his replacement
However, it has been reported that Gus Atkinson has been battling a quadriceps injury which he sustained in the last Test against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. Reports claimed that although England have officially rested him, the player has not been deemed fit to play.
England have withdrawn Gus Atkinson from their squad for the ODIs against Australia, effectively ending their season. He has officially been rested, but suffered a thigh injury at the Oval. Olly Stone has joined the squad.
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) September 9, 2024
Atkinson has played nine ODIs for England, taking 11 wickets at an average of 35.27. The last of those came against the West Indies on their tour of the Caribbean in late 2023. With the kind of form he is in, his absence will be a massive blow to the team in the series.
Instead, the England National Cricket Team has added Olly Stone to the squad for the five-match ODI series against Australia. The player was also a part of the Test series against Sri Lanka. He has played 8 ODIs for the team and has taken 8 wickets and would want to make the most of the opportunities.
Here is England’s updated squad for the five-match ODI series against the Australian National Cricket Team.
(c) Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Reece Topley, John Turner and Olly Stone.
