DEREK PRINGLE

It is impossible not to get carried away with Gus Atkinson’s 12-wicket haul to kick off the international red-ball summer, a sensational performance that exceeds John Lever, the last England bowler to take 10 or more wickets on debut, Lever managing his feat against India 48 years ago.
Bowling fast is one of the toughest gigs in all sport and to do it successfully against a team that virtually trademarked the skill would have been deeply satisfying for all involved in the 26-year old Atkinson’s development.
Deeply content, too, would have been England’s selectors, looking to ...