England fast bowler Gus Atkinson took a fine hat-trick during the second Test between New Zealand and England at Basin Reserve, Wellington. He achieved this feat during the second day of the Test match.
Atkinson removed Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee in three successive deliveries to reach the milestone. Atkinson first removed Nathan Smith when he had him bowled off his bottom edge onto the middle stump.
In the next ball, the young England quick bowled a short ball towards Matt Henry’s throat which he could only fend away towards Ben Duckett at gully. Atkinson didn’t stop here and finally trapped Tim Southee right in front to complete a brilliant hat-trick.
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Watch: Gus Atkinson removes Tim Southee to complete a fine hat-trick
Watching #NZvENG in morning 4 am IST
& It was worth it as I got to see a Hat-trick live in international cricket after so long 🏏
Gus Atkinson will be a dangerous bowler to face when India tours England next year 💀#NZvENG #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/6e46rlrEEn
— Prateek (@prateek_295) December 6, 2024
It was an excellent bowling performance from Gus Atkinson as he showed plenty of temperament despite being just nine Tests old. During his short Test career, he has shown that he can play Test cricket for a long time.
Atkinson finished with excellent bowling figures of 4-31 in 8.5 overs. He also wrapped up New Zealand’s innings for just 125 with his hat-trick. As a result, England took a massive first-innings lead of 155 runs.
Gus Atkinson’s historic hat-trick at Basin Reserve
Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson also became the first ever cricketer to pick up a Test hat-trick at Basin Reserve, Wellington. The 26-year-old bowled brilliantly with both the new ball and the old ball in this innings.
Gus Atkinson is FLYING! 🛫
☝️ 34.3 | Nathan Smith plays on
☝️ 34.4 | Matt Henry fends to gully
☝️ 34.5 | Tim Southee pinned in frontThe first cricketer EVER to take a Test hat-trick at the Basin Reserve. 👏 pic.twitter.com/P49cLnyKqh
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 6, 2024
Atkinson has had a terrific start to his Test career. In just 10 Tests, he has picked up 47 wickets at an average of 23.46. He also has a Test century to his name and has an excellent batting record so far averaging over 25 with the bat.
England on top in Wellington
Meanwhile, England have strengthened its position in the Test match after picking up a massive first-innings lead. After taking a 155-run lead, England had scored 378-5 in the second innings to take their lead past the 500-run mark.
Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell were dismissed in the nineties, although, both played splendidly well. Harry Brook continued his good form and scored a counter-attacking 55. At stumps on Day 2, Joe Root and Ben Stokes were batting and were looking in great form.