England pacer Gus Atkinson, who impressed during the recently concluded Test series win against Zimbabwe in Nottingham, has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies due to a hamstring strain. Before hosting India, England will face the West Indies in an ODI series beginning on 29 May at Edgbaston, Birmingham, followed by matches in Cardiff and London.
The decision comes after Atkinson sustained the injury during the Zimbabwe Test series. He bowled 19.2 overs in the match and took three wickets. Despite the injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that no replacement will be named for Atkinson. He becomes England’s second casualty after Jofra Archer, who was also ruled out of the series due to injury. Luke Wood has been named as Archer’s replacement.
England name playing XI ahead of first ODI vs WI
Harry Brook has been named England’s new white-ball captain following Jos Buttler’s decision to step down. Ahead of the first ODI, England named their playing XI. Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith will open the innings alongside Ben Duckett. The playing XI features experienced players like Jos Buttler and Joe Root, who are expected to anchor the middle order. Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks will provide spin-bowling all-round options, while Adil Rashid—England’s all-time leading white-ball spinner—will lead the spin department. The pace attack includes Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, and Saqib Mahmood.
England will be hoping for a swift recovery for Atkinson ahead of the five-match Test series against India, which begins on 20 June.
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