 "England’s pacer created history, this happened only for the second time in 147 years")
New Delhi- The first day of the third and final Test between England and New Zealand was almost evenly matched. New Zealand scored 315 runs in the first innings but they also lost 9 of their wickets.
England fast bowler Gus Atkinson achieved a big feat on the first day on Saturday. He took the second wicket by dismissing Daryl Mitchell. With this, he completed 50 wickets in Test cricket. This 6 feet 2 inches fast bowler who made his debut in July 2024 achieved this feat in just 11 matches. This feat has been achieved for the second time in the 147-year history of Test cricket. Gus Atkinson has become the second bowler to take 50 wickets in just 11 Test matches in the 147-year-old history of Test cricket.
Before Atkinson, the last English bowler to take 50 Test wickets in a calendar year was James Anderson, who took 55 in 2017. On the first day, England fell behind after a brilliant opening partnership between captain Tom Latham (63) and Young (42). After the partnership broke down, England piled the pressure on New Zealand and demonstrated their consistent line and length. In control conditions, in which the Kiwis scored 142/2, New Zealand slipped to 231/7. Mitchell Santner ended the day with a priceless 50*, while William O’Rourke remained unbeaten at the other end.
Gus Atkinson has 50 Test match wickets for England! 🏴
REMINDER: He made his debut in July 🤯 pic.twitter.com/OdjqnxJp7U
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 14, 2024
Atkinson has taken 51 wickets so far this year and is the second highest Test wicket taker this year. After Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, he became the second bowler in the world to take 50 or more wickets in Tests this year. Bumrah is playing his 12th Test this year and has taken 53 wickets so far.
England’s off-spinner Shoaib Bashir also took 47 wickets this year. Along with completing 50 wickets this year, Bashir will also have a chance to become the first spinner to take 50 wickets in his first year as a Test cricketer.