ENG vs IND 2025: Gus Atkinson doubtful for first Test against India due to hamstring injury

Published - 04 Jun 2025, 14:54 IST | Updated - 04 Jun 2025, 15:04 IST

England fast bowler Gus Atkinson is likely to miss the first Test of the series against India, scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The pacer is reportedly suffering from a right hamstring strain, which raises doubts over his availability for the opening fixture of the five-match Test series.

Notably, Atkinson sustained the injury during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May, which also forced him to miss the recently concluded ODI series against the West Indies. Despite his absence, England whitewashed the visitors 3-0.

"Bowler Gus Atkinson is a doubt for the first Test against India later this month because of a right hamstring strain — adding to England's injury concerns among their seamers," a report by the BBC mentioned.

The 27-year-old pacer has taken three five-wicket hauls in his 12 matches and is a key figure in England’s pace attack. His potential absence adds to England’s growing injury woes, with fellow seamers Mark Wood and Olly Stone also facing fitness issues. Besides, Jofra Archer’s anticipated return to Test cricket has been delayed due to a thumb injury. Before the Test series against India, England will face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series, beginning at Chester-le-Street on Friday.

Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc/wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav.