Gus Atkinson’s hat-trick shines in England’s thrilling Test victory.©(@ESPNcricinfo )
Gus Atkinson delivered a sensational performance on the second day of the second Test in Wellington, claiming a remarkable hat-trick to dismantle New Zealand’s tail. The 26-year-old pacer etched his name into cricket history by becoming the 14th English bowler to achieve the feat in Test cricket. He was the first since Moeen Ali’s achievement against South Africa at The Oval in 2017. Atkinson’s hat-trick is also the first by an England bowler in an away Test since Ryan Sidebottom achieved it against New Zealand in Hamilton 16 years ago.
Atkinson’s remarkable spell began with the dismissal of Nathan Smith, who was bowled attempting to leave a delivery that jagged back sharply. Atkinson followed this with a vicious delivery to Matt Henry, who could only fend it to gully before trapping Tim Southee leg before wicket to complete the hat-trick. The hat-trick capped an extraordinary start to Atkinson’s Test career, which began with a 12-wicket haul on debut against West Indies at Lord’s in July, followed by an all-round display against Sri Lanka in August at the same venue, where he scored a century and claimed a five-wicket haul.
New Zealand, who resumed the day on 86-5 and trailing England by 194 runs, were bundled out for 125, giving England a commanding first-innings lead of 155 runs. Brydon Carse also played a key role, removing Tom Blundell and nightwatchman Will O’Rourke early in the day. Smith and Glenn Phillips provided brief resistance with a 29-run stand in just 27 balls before Atkinson’s burst ended the innings.
Atkinson’s achievement at the Basin Reserve is historic, as it marks the first-ever Test hat-trick at the iconic venue. His effort also breaks a drought in Test cricket, being the first hat-trick since South African spinner Keshav Maharaj’s against the West Indies in 2021.
The feat places Atkinson among an elite group of cricketers who have achieved both a Test hat-trick and a century. He joins Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, and 19th-century spinner Johnny Briggs in this rare club for England, alongside international stars like Wasim Akram, Harbhajan Singh, and Abdul Razzaq.
Atkinson’s heroics leave England in a commanding position as the match progresses, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting talents in world cricket.
