At a glance
- Gus Atkinson suffers frightening blow to the head in County Championship
- England pace attack facing mounting injury concerns
- Ben Stokes returns with encouraging performance for Durham
England’s preparations for the opening Test against New Zealand have suffered another setback after fast bowler Gus Atkinson was forced off with concussion symptoms during Surrey’s County Championship meeting with Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.
The England seamer was struck on the head twice by deliveries from fellow international Josh Tongue during Surrey’s first innings in Nottingham. The second blow appeared particularly heavy and prompted immediate concern among medical staff and team officials.
Despite initially passing concussion checks at the ground Atkinson attempted to continue his innings and battled his way to 27 before eventually leaving the field for further assessment. Surrey later introduced Reece Topley as a concussion replacement.
Surrey Boss Explains Decision To Remove Atkinson
Speaking after the match Surrey head coach Gareth Batty stressed that player welfare had become the priority once Atkinson’s condition changed.
“Gus passed the tests on the field, otherwise he would not have been able to stay out there.
“He felt like he was OK, but duty of care comes into it. I don’t know the ins and outs of what exactly happened but it clearly came to a point where he had to come off. He’s OK in himself.”
Atkinson’s injury has added to England’s growing concerns ahead of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on 4 June with selectors expected to confirm the squad later this week.
England Pace Attack Facing Serious Questions
The pace bowling department already appears stretched with several leading names battling injuries or fitness concerns. Atkinson and Tongue had looked among the frontrunners to lead England’s seam attack this summer but uncertainty now surrounds the make up of the squad.
Jofra Archer is still building towards a return to the demands of Test cricket following his Indian Premier League stint while Brydon Carse remains sidelined with a broken wrist. Mark Wood is continuing his rehabilitation from a knee problem and Chris Woakes retired from international cricket last year.
England may now be forced to consider recalling Ollie Robinson or handing Essex seamer Sam Cook another opportunity after his solitary Test appearance against Zimbabwe last season.
Hampshire quick Sonny Baker has also caught attention with a strong start to the County Championship campaign while Lancashire youngster Mitchell Stanley continues to earn praise as one of the country’s brightest pace prospects.
Read More: Marcus North Set to Become England’s First Overseas Men’s Selector After Ashes Overhaul
Gus Atkinson Suffers Frightening Blow During Key Championship Clash
The worrying scenes at Trent Bridge arrived at a crucial stage of the domestic season with England selectors closely monitoring potential Test options ahead of a busy summer.
England expected Atkinson to play a major role against New Zealand after he impressed with his pace and control across formats. His latest setback has now left selectors anxiously awaiting further medical updates in the coming days.
For Surrey there will also be concern over the timing of the injury with the county hoping to build momentum in the Championship campaign.
Ben Stokes Return Offers England A Timely Lift
Elsewhere there was at least some positive news for England with captain Ben Stokes making his long awaited return for Durham in the Championship.
The all rounder opened the bowling in a red ball match for the first time in almost two years after recovering from the quad injury sustained during the Ashes as well as the fractured cheekbone he suffered in an accident while coaching at Durham’s academy.
Stokes collected four wickets across the match against Worcestershire as Durham sealed a convincing nine wicket victory. While England’s bowling stocks may currently look fragile the return of their captain offers a timely boost before another pivotal Test summer begins.
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