"She’d get in touch with Surrey" - Gus Atkinson recalls his late mother ahead of India tour

England speedster Gus Atkinson recalled that his motivation increased tenfold after his mother's demise in 2020 due to a car crash. The Surrey pacer admitted that his career could have gone either way after the tragic incident, but he took it in the direction his mother wanted.

Atkinson is one of the few uncapped players chosen in the squad for the five-match Test series against India. However, the 25-year-old is relatively inexperienced in first-class cricket, picking up 45 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.64.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, the right-arm speedster revealed that his mother kept him in contention to play for Surrey and didn't let him fall behind others.

"My mum pushed me forward almost behind my back. She’d get in touch with Surrey and make sure I was still in the loop when perhaps I might have been falling behind the others. Once she passed away my career could have gone one or two ways and I wanted to take it in the direction she would have wanted. And that I wanted as well. So to be in this position is very special," Atkinson said.

Atkinson made his international debut during the home series against New Zealand last year, claiming 11 wickets in nine ODIs and six scalps in three T20Is. He has also earned an IPL contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the 2024 edition.

"The way the Test team have been playing suits my game perfectly" - Gus Atkinson

Atkinson added that England's current gameplay in Tests suits them perfectly, elaborating:

"It's been really good. Now I’m looking forward to playing under Ben Stokes and Baz McCullum. The way the Test team have been playing suits my game perfectly. I’m very excited about what lies ahead. India and the Ashes are the two tours you most want to go on and it would be incredible to win over the next few weeks."

The first Test between India and England will start on January 25 in Hyderabad.