Atkinson shines on his England return

GUS Atkinson set the standard for a revamped England attack on day one of the deciding fifth Test against India but injury and inconsistency among his fellow bowlers stopped the hosts taking control.

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Atkinson was handed his first appearance of the series on home turf at the Kia Oval, returning from a hamstring injury with little more than a club appearance for Spencer CC and one tuneup for Surrey’s second XI under his belt.

But in the absence of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse - the captain out injured and the latter pair rested - Atkinson stood out from the crowd on an otherwise erratic performance from the hosts.

He took two wickets and swooped to run out danger man Shubman Gill for 21, with India scrapping to 204 for six in bowler-friendly conditions.

There was a late sting in the tail as Chris Woakes suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder in the field. His participation in the rest of the match looks highly doubtful, placing an even bigger burden on a fragile seam unit.