ENG vs SL: Netizens celebrate as Gus Atkinson hits his first ton at the iconic Lord’s on Day 2 of the 2nd Test

Gus Atkinsonrising star of In England cricketer, wrote his name in the history books with a stunning Test century on day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka of the Lord. Atkinson’s impressive innings not only showcased his batting prowess but also ensured that his name will be displayed proudly on three honor boards in the home of cricket.

Gus Atkinson’s unbeaten start and continued confidence

Resuming the second day on an unbeaten 74 off just 81 deliveries, Atkinson showed no signs of nerves. His unlikely innings was a masterclass in positive, yet measured, Test batting. Made his international debut earlier this summer taking 12 wickets, including a five-wicket haul James AndersonAtkinson’s last Test, Atkinson added another feather to his cap with a blistering century. His milestone came from just 100 deliveries, which included 11 fours and four towering sixes, showing his ferocious aim and perfect timing.

A rare success in the Lord

Atkinson’s century placed him in the elite group, making him only the sixth cricketer to score a century, taking five wickets in an innings, and taking 10 wickets in a match at Lord’s. The intention was clear from the start as he shaved Lahiru Kumara boundary on the first ball of the day, followed by another four driven through cover. His confidence was evident as he continued to build on his innings with a combination of good stroke play and powerful shooting.

READ MORE: Players with most test centuries at Lord’s – feat Joe Root

Overcoming challenges and near misses

However, Atkinson’s journey in his century was not without its challenges. On 82, he was hit in the paper by a delivery that had started him out LBW. In a display of shrewd awareness, Atkinson quickly revised the decision. DRS ruled that the ball was missing the stumps due to excessive movement, and the on-field decision was overturned, much to the delight of the England balcony where Marcus Trescothic he breathed happily.

After this close call, Atkinson continued to push for his century. A streaky inside edge brought him one, followed by another boundary that took him into the eighties. A thick edge narrowly avoided the hands of the fielders, keeping his hopes alive.

The nervous nineties and the final push

As Atkinson entered his nineties, tensions grew. He eclipsed his previous first-class score of 91, achieved two years ago in Surrey against a Sri Lanka development XI, with a well-timed pull and shot from the hip. The 26-year-old then moved on to 99 with a well-executed drive through extra cover, sending the ball racing towards the Warner Stand.

Atkinson, like many before him, felt nervous at the end of his century. It took him 12 deals to go from 99 to 100, a time full of hope. He almost curled one outside off stump, but the ball eluded his belt, keeping his dream intact.

Finally, the time came. Atkinson drove the ball straight down towards the yard, his powerful stroke piercing the field and taking him to his first Test major. Emotions ran high as Atkinson ran away, fists clenched in triumph, before removing his hard hat and being applauded by the King’s crowd.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Gus Atkinson gets his first career century in a TEST! 💯

Gus joins Ian Botham as the fastest player to enter both Honors Board’s at Lord’s! 👏

Congratulations, Gussy! 🫡

🤎 | #SurreyCrickey pic.twitter.com/xFvua3CuWO

– Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) August 30, 2024

Gus Atkinson becomes the fastest man in history to get on all three Lord’s honors boards taking just 4 innings in two matches.

Ian Botham also managed it in two games but lasted six innings.

— Charlie Reynolds (@cwjreynolds) August 30, 2024

Gus Atkinson has more hundreds at Lord’s than Sachin Tendulkar and more 5-fers at Lord’s than Shane Warne.

– Will 🚾🏆 (@ohlookswell_) August 30, 2024

Gubby Allen, Keith Miller, Ian Botham, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and now, in his first summer, Gus Atkinson – players on all three boards Test honors at Lord’s: a five-wicket haul , a 10-wicket haul, and a century.

— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) August 30, 2024

The hell of Gus Atkinson’s first Test summer. Twelve wickets first, now a century from number 8 – both at Lord’s.

– Lawrence Booth (@BoothCricket) August 30, 2024

A hundred from the Lord 💯

Truly a moment Gus Atkinson will NEVER forget ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Nth6qJOhYN

– England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024

Gus Atkinson 🔥

After taking ten wickets against the West Indies, Gus Atkinson also reached his maiden Test century 💯

The name is protected on both Lord’s Honors boards.#LoveLords | #ENGLISH pic.twitter.com/XLJ4P7Zlk2

– Home Of Cricket (@HomeOfCricket) August 30, 2024

103 on a run ball from fast bowler Gus Atkinson! Across the board three honors at Lords after only 2 Tests at the venue and in the 5th Test of his career. Breathing things! #English #BBCCricket pic.twitter.com/LSVWeqVzkV

— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) August 30, 2024

Amazing knock from Gus Atkinson #cricket #ENGLISH #Exams #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/eWgyFYMf70

– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 30, 2024

The Lord of Respect Board – Here we come from Gus Atkinson and his century of virginity testing 💯👏

What a great moment for the England bowler!!!!!#ENGLISH #WTC2025

– Prashanth Indrakumar (@PrashanthIndra1) August 30, 2024

While it’s great to see Gus Atkinson make his century, I hope it makes a few of the top six feel uncomfortable about some of the shots they’ve played to get out of good batting conditions.

— Stephen Allen (@Elephantlens) August 30, 2024

ALSO READ: ENG vs SL: Fans go wild as Joe Root equals England’s Alastair Cook’s record with 33rd Test century at Lord’s