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Gus Atkinson Ruled Out of West Indies ODIs with Hamstring Injury
England Face Fresh Injury Blow Ahead of West Indies Series
Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of England’s upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies due to a hamstring strain. The injury occurred during the recently concluded one-off Test match against Zimbabwe in Nottingham. As a result, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that there will be no replacement named for Atkinson in the ODI squad.
The series is scheduled to take place on May 29, June 1, and June 3, with the matches being held in Birmingham (Edgbaston), Cardiff (Sophia Gardens), and London (The Oval) respectively. This development is a significant setback for England, who are already managing the absence of another frontline pacer, Jofra Archer.
Atkinson’s Injury Adds to England’s Pace Concerns
Atkinson bowled 19.2 overs in the Test match against Zimbabwe, managing to take three wickets. However, he suffered discomfort post-match, which has now been diagnosed as a hamstring injury. Given the already depleted pace attack, his unavailability is a blow to England’s hopes of dominating the West Indies in the upcoming white-ball fixtures.
This setback comes at a crucial time when England are trying to rebuild their bowling resources ahead of the summer Test season.
Eyes Set on Recovery Before India Test Series
England are now hoping that Atkinson can recover in time for the five-match Test series against India, set to commence from June 20. With the World Test Championship (WTC) points on the line, Atkinson’s presence could prove vital.
The ECB medical team will be closely monitoring his recovery and managing his rehabilitation to ensure he is fit and ready for the intense red-ball challenge ahead.
🔗 Read more about England’s upcoming fixtures and injury updates
Harry Brook to Lead England in ODIs for the First Time
In more positive news, this series marks the beginning of a new leadership era in England’s white-ball cricket. Harry Brook has been appointed the permanent ODI captain, and the West Indies series will be his first major assignment in that role.
Brook, who has already made a mark with his aggressive batting style across formats, is now being trusted with steering the national side through this transitional phase. With several young players expected to feature in the series, Brook’s captaincy will be under scrutiny, but also offers a chance to showcase his leadership potential.
ODI Series Schedule
Here’s the complete fixture list for the England vs West Indies ODI series:
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1st ODI – May 29, 2025 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
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2nd ODI – June 1, 2025 – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
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3rd ODI – June 3, 2025 – The Oval, London
Each match provides crucial opportunities for fringe players to cement their spot ahead of a packed international calendar.
England’s Injury Woes and What Lies Ahead
With both Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer unavailable, England will likely depend on experienced campaigners and emerging quicks to deliver results. The squad’s composition will reflect England’s broader vision of preparing for future ICC events while remaining competitive in bilateral series.
For the latest on England’s squad updates, fans can follow the official ECB injury and team news page.
