Jonny Bairstow says fast bowler Gus Atkinson can ‘scare batsmen for years to come, in any format’, after exploding onto the international scene.
The 25-year-old Surrey star is keen to follow his debut four-wicket haul when England attempt to clinch the T20 series with
New Zealand today. Fast tracked into the World Cup squad, Atkinson is already living up to his growing reputation.
And, having seen Atkinson take the best figures by an England player on his debut in the competition – a stunning 4-20 as England romped to a second easy win at Old Trafford on Friday night, Bairstow enthused: “Gus has raw pace and bowling that fast makes him a bit scary for any opposition. To come out like that and take four wickets on his debut will be a huge confidence boost for him.
‘I’M OOZING CONFIDENCE’
New bowling hero Atkinson reflects on his England role here
“Whenever anyone comes into the side there is huge pressure on to perform and you saw on his face how well he handled it. He just took everything in his stride and it is bound to be the first of many caps for him in this is format and others too.”
Bairstow picked up the Player of the match award for his swashbuckling unbeaten 86 but Atkinson pushed him close and the bowler who has come out of the shadows to be a major World Cup weapon for his country admitted: “It was a great experience for me and went as well as I’d hoped. I was a bit nervous before the game but all the guys have made me feel so welcome in the dressing room. It’s a great opportunity to be part of such a great group of talented players.
“I just wanted to make an impact and take my chance. I’ve sorted out my run up. I’m running in a bit harder and that’s given me the confidence to run in a bit harder.”
Captain Jos Buttler insisted: “Gus has been on an upward curve very quickly and to get him in and around the dressing room making friendships and getting used to the guys and coaching staff takes a little time. But he’s settled in brilliantly and he was brilliant here.”
England will hope to seal the series win by continuing their dominance over the Kiwis at Edgbaston. They head there with confidence sky high and a seemingly insatiable appetite to keep the accelerator down and smashing high totals for fun.
The fact big-hitting Harry Brook was left out of the World Cup squad shows the incredible strength in depth of talent at the selectors disposal. Brook has reacted to his disappointment by continuing to blaze the ball around at will in the opening games. He is clearly determined to keep the pressure on those who are in the 15-man squad for India. His uneaten 43 in Durham and 67 at Old Trafford will have only enhanced the belief by many they he should have been selected for the World Cup.
Buttler praised the 24-year-old Yorkshire star insisting: “We know what a class player he is. There’s a lot of noise around him at the moment but he not been affected by it at all. He’s handled it so well and not been any different around the group, and he’s playing brilliantly. It’s a great problem for us to have.”
He added: “We’ve been excellent in Durham and Manchester but want to carry on a high level of performance and keep trying to be better each time.”
