The England National Cricket Team has suffered a massive injury scare just weeks before the start of the Test summer. Actually, Gus Atkinson was forced to leave the field after getting hit on the head twice by brutal bouncers from his own England teammate, Josh Tongue.
The selectors are likely to name the squad for the first Test of the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand this week, and Gus Atkinson is expected to be picked, so this blow left both the bowler and the team worried.
England suffer big injury scare before New Zealand Test series
The scary incident happened during Surrey’s County Championship clash against Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club at Trent Bridge. Gus Atkinson looked badly shaken following two nasty blows to the helmet from Josh Tongue’s fiery short-pitched delivery.
The incident has left the England camp worried because both Gus Atkinson and Tongue are expected to be part of the Test squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand in June.
Atkinson was batting for Surrey during the first innings when Tongue started bowling a hostile spell. The England fast bowler first struck Gus Atkinson on the helmet with a sharp bouncer. Medical staff immediately rushed in to check on him, but after some treatment, Atkinson decided to continue batting.
Gus Atkinson hit twice by Josh Tongue’s fiery deliveries before leaving the field
However, things became even more worrying in the next over when Tongue again hit Atkinson on the head with another brutal delivery. The second blow looked much more serious, leaving everyone stunned. Despite getting hit twice, Atkinson continued batting and scored 27 runs before finally calling for more medical help on the field.
Soon after, the Surrey fast bowler walked off the field and later failed the concussion assessment. Because of the concussion protocols, Atkinson was officially ruled out of the match and replaced by Reece Topley as a substitute.
Adding to the woes, Surrey suffered another injury concern during the same county match as Ollie Pope struggled with a hand problem and batted much lower down the order than usual.
England pace attack in trouble ahead of New Zealand Test series
Meanwhile, the injury scare could not have come at a worse time for the England team. They are already dealing with several fitness problems in the pace-bowling department ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, starting on June 4 at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.
Brydon Carse is recovering from a broken wrist, while Mark Wood is still out because of a knee injury, and veteran seamer Chris Woakes has already retired from international cricket.
However, England captain Ben Stokes provided some positive news by returning to action for Durham. Stokes played his first County Championship match in almost two years and looked in good rhythm with the ball. The all-rounder picked up wickets in both innings.
The captain showed great signs, but he is recovering well after his quad injury and facial injury suffered earlier this year. Well, Jofra Archer is also expected to play after his brilliant performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL 2026.
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