Who is Gus Atkinson? All you need to know about England's new cricketing sensation

The English cricket team selection committee led by the chief selector and former cricketer Luke Wright announced a 15-member preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The biggest news for the fans was the return of all-rounder Ben Stokes, who overturned his retirement decision from the 50-over format after having talks with England's limited overs skipper Jos Buttler. Apart from Stokes, the English team management has also included an unknown player, Gus Atkinson. 

3 things you need to know 

• ECB announced the preliminary ODI World Cup 2023 and ENG vs NZ ODI squad on Wednesday, August 16
• England are the current champions of the ODI World Cup 
• The English team will play the opening match of the ODI World Cup 2023 against the Kiwis on October 5, 2023 

ALSO READ | 'Maybe it was combo pack of him and Nehra': Ex-opener baffled by Hardik's India captaincy

Ben Stokes' return in ODIs to boost England's World Cup chances 

English all-rounder Ben Stokes announced a sudden retirement from the 50-over format in July last year and wanted to manage his workload. However, the 2019 ODI World Cup final hero's return to the side ahead of the 2023 edition of the tournament, will certainly increase the chances of the three lions to defend their title. 

Who is Gus Atkinson? 

ALSO READ | Ravi Shastri feels Shikhar Dhawan is being badly treated: 'That guy was an amazing player'

• Gus Atkinson was born in Chelsea, Middlesex on January 19, 1998 (25 years)
• Atkinson is a right-handed pace bowler, who can bowl constantly at 150 kmph and can also bat when required
• While playing for Surrey, Atkinson made his first-class debut against Essex and has picked a total of 45 wickets from 14 matches at an average of 26.64 which also includes one five-wicket haul 
• The right-arm pacer has only featured in two List-A matches 
• Apart from bowling, Gus Atkinson has also proven his mettle with the bat in his hands
• Atkinson has scored three half-centuries at an average of 28.14 in his first-class career 
• On his List A debut against Yorkshire, Atkinson picked up a four-wicket haul 
• Gus Atkinson also has a decent T20 domestic record and has picked 55 wickets in 40 innings at a bowling average of 19.23 and an economy of 8.63
• Gus Atkinson plays for the Oval Invincibles in 'The Hundred' and has also featured in the ILT20 and the Pakistan Super League. 
• On the basis of his decent performance in domestic cricket, has earned a place in England's national team

ALSO READ | Ravi Shastri feels Shikhar Dhawan is being badly treated: 'That guy was an amazing player'

Apart from the inclusion of Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, the England and Wales Cricket Board has also included five new players, who were not part of the 2019 ODI World Cup squad. This includes the names of Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Reece Topley, and David Willey.