After another 11 wickets in the second Test in Wellington, and a combined total across the tours of Pakistan and New Zealand now standing at 39, there can be no doubt this has been the winter of Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse. Only six months ago, England’s planning for next winter’s Ashes would have been all about getting Mark Wood and Jofra Archer fit. Now, they might not even make the team. Atkinson has played 10 Tests and Carse only four, but they have already demonstrated their ability to deliver penetrating bowling at this level.
Although both are right-arm fast bowlers, they present contrasting threats: Atkinson’s trajectory is slightly skiddy, allowing him to bowl a back-of-a-length ball that could hit the top of the stumps, while Carse generates more bounce. Atkinson can find some swing, whereas Carse aims for seam by hitting the pitch hard. Chris Woakes takes the new ball for England and uses it effectively, but it’s Atkinson and Carse who have the opposition on edge.
Crucially, both are also capable batters, which could have a significant impact next winter. On the Ashes tour in 2017-18, I witnessed our lower order being targeted relentlessly. To succeed in Australia, teams must withstand short-pitched bowling, and that year, the opposition’s strategy was clear: they bullied us. Even a skilled batter like Woakes struggled—they attacked him relentlessly. I encouraged our bowlers to practice short balls, but it’s uncomfortable and not something players eagerly anticipate. With Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, I had to be cautious to avoid injuries, so I focused on bowling outside off-stump to help them gauge pace and height without the risk of being hit. Despite this, they all struggled significantly.
Atkinson and Carse both have excellent batting skills, are effective hitters in shorter formats, and are ready to play aggressive shots. The runs they contribute at the bottom of the order could be invaluable. I hope to see Wood and Archer in Australia next year, but at the moment, their inclusion would be a bonus. Based on current form, Atkinson and Carse are the first names on the teamsheet. These two players are delivering outstanding performances. Their hard work in challenging conditions in Pakistan and their adaptability in New Zealand have honed their skills, allowing them to excel in better conditions.
Matt Potts and Olly Stone are also in New Zealand, with Potts being a valuable asset due to his hardworking nature. Josh Tongue, with his tall stature and awkward action, is another player I believe England will want in their squad. It’s exciting to see the variety of bowlers contributing and to anticipate their development over the next 12 months, especially in key series against India and Australia.
However, perhaps no bowler is as crucial to England as their fourth seamer. It’s a relief to see Ben Stokes back with the ball in hand, and in the opening game in Christchurch, he bowled more overs than in any Test for nearly two years. He looks athletic, delivers the ball at good pace, and his dual role as a middle-order batter and bowler is vital for the team’s balance. While Stokes has had a quiet year with the bat, his fluency seems to be returning through match practice and time at the crease.
England’s batting is also looking promising. At the end of the second Test, Joe Root described Harry Brook as the best player in the world, a generous comment from a modest individual. While I still consider Root the best batter, there’s no denying Brook’s phenomenal form. His confidence, ease, and power in scoring are remarkable. He disrupts bowlers’ lines and lengths by coming down the pitch and using his feet, a tactic that requires serious skill, especially against fast bowlers like Matt Henry. However, Root’s consistency as a craftsman sets him apart. Brook’s time will come, but it’s not here yet.
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