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England’s rising pace sensation Gus Atkinson etched his name in the record books on Saturday, December 14, by becoming only the second bowler in Test cricket history to claim 50 wickets in his debut year. Atkinson reached this remarkable milestone during the second session of Day 1 in the third Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Atkinson has now taken 50 wickets in just 11 Tests since making his debut in July 2024, when he produced a stunning 7 for 45 against the West Indies at Lord’s.
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Following in Terry Alderman’s Footsteps
The first player to achieve this rare feat was Australian pacer Terry Alderman, who took 54 wickets in his first year of Test cricket in 1981. Alderman debuted against England on June 18, 1981, at Nottingham and achieved his record in 10 matches that year.
Atkinson now joins Alderman in this exclusive club, showcasing his potential as a dominant force in world cricket.
Milestone Moment
Atkinson’s landmark wicket came when he dismissed Daryl Mitchell for 14 runs, caught by Ben Stokes. Earlier in the innings, he had also removed Will Young for 42 runs, caught by Harry Brook. These scalps brought his tally to 50 wickets in 2024, making him one of the standout performers in Test cricket this year.
Leading Wicket-Takers in 2024
Atkinson is now the second-highest wicket-taker in 2024, trailing only India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who leads the chart with 53 wickets in 12 matches.
Other top performers this year include:
- Prabath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): 48 wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India): 47 wickets
- Shoaib Bashir (England): 47 wickets
England’s Bright Future
Interestingly, Shoaib Bashir, another England debutant in 2024, is also closing in on the 50-wicket milestone. If Bashir manages to claim at least three wickets in the ongoing Test against New Zealand, he will join Atkinson and Alderman in this elite list of bowlers to achieve 50 Test wickets in their debut year.
The Year of Atkinson
Atkinson’s meteoric rise highlights England’s incredible depth in fast bowling. His contributions have been pivotal in England’s Test campaign, and his ability to deliver under pressure bodes well for the team’s future.
With his combination of pace, accuracy, and composure, Atkinson is poised to remain a key figure in England’s bowling attack for years to come.
