England paceman Gus Atkinson takes hat-trick v New Zealand, makes strong case for Ashes call

Australia, you’ve been warned. England have unearthed another fast bowling threat, and he’s just completed an incredible feat in his first year of Test cricket.

England seamer Gus Atkinson claimed a hat-trick as New Zealand were skittled for 125 in the second Test on Saturday, leaving the tourists with a substantial first innings advantage.

Resuming at 86-5 on day two in Wellington, New Zealand’s lower order survived less than nine overs, scoring 39 runs in the process.

The 26-year-old Atkinson is playing just his first year of Test cricket, but has made an immediate impact on the international scene.

To go with his hat-trick, he has also notched a Test century and a 10-wicket haul, giving Australia plenty to ponder ahead of England’s arrival for next year’s Ashes.

England were to begin their second innings before lunch, holding an advantage off 155 runs, following their first innings of 280.

Atkinson (4-31) and fellow-seamer Brydon Carse (4-46) took advantage of a pitch still providing good bounce to share the second-day wickets.

Atkinson completed New Zealand’s misery by removing Nathan Smith, Matt Henry and Tim Southee off successive balls.

Atkinson wheels away in celebration after sealing his hat-trick. Picture: Getty

He became the first English bowler to claim a Test hat-trick since Moeen Ali against South Africa at The Oval seven years ago.

Smith was bowled for 14 before both tailenders departed without scoring – Henry caught behind and Southee trapped LBW, which he unsuccessfully appealed.

Earlier, the two overnight batsmen were quickly removed by Carse. Blundell was bowled for 16 before nightwatchman Will O’Rourke was out LBW for a 26-ball duck.

Originally published as England paceman Gus Atkinson takes hat-trick v New Zealand, makes strong case for Ashes call