Gus Atkinson: England bowler concussed by Josh Tongue deliveries

Gus Atkinson added to concerns over England’s pace bowling by suffering a concussion during Surrey’s County Championship match against Nottinghamshire.

In the week England could name their squad for the first Test against New Zealand, Atkinson was twice struck on the head by international team-mate Josh Tongue.

Batting in Surrey’s first innings at Trent Bridge, Atkinson was hit in successive Tongue overs – with the second blow particularly nasty.

The 28-year-old was assessed on both occasions and batted on. He eventually called for more treatment and retired on 27, replaced in the match by Reece Topley.

“Gus passed the tests on the field, otherwise he would not have been able to stay out there,” said Surrey head coach Gareth Batty.

“He felt like he was OK, but duty of care comes into it. I don’t know the ins and outs of what exactly happened but it clearly came to a point where he had to come off. He’s OK in himself.”

Atkinson’s injury came on the same day as England team-mate Ollie Pope did not appear to bat for Surrey until number 10 because of a hand injury.

England, who are set to confirm Australian Marcus North as their new national selector, will soon name a squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s that begins on 4 June.

While much speculation has centred on which players could come into the batting line-up, England’s pace-bowling department is looking depleted.

Atkinson and Tongue appeared to be the most likely specialist seamers to be in the squad, along with two or three others.