Gus Atkinson rested for Australia ODIs, Olly Stone called up as replacement

England has decided to rest fast bowler Gus Atkinson from their 50-over squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, aiming to manage his workload after a demanding summer. Atkinson, who made his Test debut in July, has quickly established himself as a key figure in England’s pace attack, taking 34 wickets in his first six Tests.

The 25-year-old impressed in back-to-back series against West Indies and Sri Lanka, forming a reliable partnership with Chris Woakes. However, signs of fatigue appeared during the later stages of the Sri Lanka series, with Atkinson’s pace dropping off, and he briefly left the field at The Oval with a tight quad muscle. Despite this, he was able to bowl 11 overs in the final innings, picking up one of the two wickets that fell. 

England Prioritizes Player Management Amidst Hectic Schedule

Given the rigorous schedule ahead, which includes a five-match ODI series against Australia, followed by a three-Test tour of Pakistan and another series in New Zealand before the end of the year, England has opted to rest Atkinson. Olly Stone, another quick bowler, has been called up as his replacement.

Atkinson’s stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, reassured fans about his condition: “He’s okay. He’s got a couple of weeks off now to rest and recover. He feels better now than he did when the issue first cropped up, which is a good sign.”

With Atkinson being managed carefully, England’s focus on player rotation and workload management is key, especially after the retirements of veteran bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson, and with Mark Wood sidelined for the rest of the year due to an elbow injury.

As England prepares for its winter tours, player management remains a priority. Pope expressed confidence in the team’s ability to stay motivated, particularly as Ben Stokes is expected to return as captain for the Pakistan series.

England ODI Squad vs Australia: Jos Buttler (capt), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, John Turner. 

England vs Australia ODI Series Schedule

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