Gus Atkinson in England’s World Cup plans as express quick earns call-up for New Zealand series

England have announced white-ball squads for New Zealand ODIs and T20s, both of which consist of four games each. Having turned heads with his raw pace, uncapped Surrey quick Gus Atkinson has earned his maiden international call-up and features in both the teams. Uncapped John Turner also been selected, albeit only for the T20Is. Josh Tongue, who made his international debut in Ashes 2023, also gets a crack at the T20I format.

England ODI squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes

England T20I squad: Jos Buttler (c) Rehan Ahmed, Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, John Turner, Luke Wood

Atkinson has just two domestic 50-over games under his belt to go with his 14 first-class matches. However, he has rocked the speed gun, bowling at an average speed of close to 90 miles per hour in the ongoing season of The Hundred, and even reached the top speed of 95 mph.

England hoped to have Jofra Archer back in the ODI squad in time for the World Cup, but the injured pacer hasn’t been selected for the New Zealand series and will not complete his recovery in time for the beginning of the title defence. He will only be a travelling reserve in India, Luke Wright, an England selector and Archer’s former Sussex team-mate, clarified.