England vs Sri Lanka: Gus Atkinson not surprised by maiden century

Atkinson’s knock, the joint-third highest score by an England number eight in Tests, continued a sensational start to his international career.

In his first Test against West Indies on the same ground last month, Atkinson claimed 12-106, the fourth-best match figures by a bowler on Test debut.

In taking five wickets in an innings, 10 in a match and now scoring a century, Atkinson has a place on all three Lord’s honours boards after only five days of playing Tests at the home of cricket.

“It’s very surreal,” he told Test Match Special. “I’ve always thought of the Lord’s honours board growing up and pictured myself up there for my bowling, so it’s incredible to see myself up there with the bat. I couldn’t ask for more.

“It’s been an incredible 12 months. I can’t quite believe it.”

Atkinson had made three previous first-class half-centuries, the last of which came for Surrey against Kent in 2023.

Earlier this season, Atkinson was batting as low as number 10 for Surrey but has found himself at number eight for England after a rejig in the batting order because of an injury to captain Ben Stokes.