LONDON, – Gus Atkinson mentioned he was once nonetheless digesting his personal superior check debut for England on Wednesday, nearest he took seven West Indies wickets for 45 runs – one of the vital very best begins by way of an Englishman within the longest mode of the sport.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet to be honest, looking up at the board and seeing my figures and just thinking ‘Wow’. It’s a very special day,” he informed newshounds.
” more than I could have dreamt for.”
Atkinson felt he had benefited by way of no longer being within the limelight, with the society maximum prepared to look the general look of James Anderson, enjoying his 188th and latter check on the similar field the place his profession within the structure started in Would possibly 2003.
“The focus was on Jimmy so it was nice to go under the radar a bit and just focus on performing as best as I could,” he mentioned.
“To be out there alongside Jimmy in his final test was incredible, being in the Long Room, Jimmy leading us on the pitch was a pretty surreal moment,” he mentioned, regarding a corridor at Lord’s cricket field.
He admitted to a few nerves in the beginning of the generation.
“I was a bit nervous this morning – woke up and all you could think about was the day ahead,” he mentioned.
“I tried to keep as level as possible. My dad was saying ‘It’s the biggest day of your life’ and I was like ‘Relax! Relax – try not to think like that’,” he added with amusing.
“Once the first few overs were bowled, I was pretty calm.”
He additionally mentioned he were quietly assured in his personal skill, having up to now performed some shorter fits at Lord’s that had helped him get impaired to the field.
“I’ve played a few white ball games here. It was special, I’ve always felt like I would bowl quite well here with the red ball so to be able to come out and get the opportunity in the first test of the summer is great, and thankfully it went well.”