Gus Atkinson: English bowler Josh Tong panics over delivery

Gus Atkinson raised concerns about England’s pace bowling during Surrey’s County Championship match against Nottinghamshire.

In the week when England could announce their squad for the first Test against New Zealand, Atkinson was hit twice on the head by international teammate Josh Tong.

Batting in the first innings of the series at Trent Bridge, Atkinson was hit by consecutive tong overs – the second hit particularly badly.

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

Atkinson’s injury came on the same day that England team-mate Ollie Pope was ruled out of Surrey’s No.10 due to a hand injury.

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

There was much speculation about which players might come into the batting line-up, with England’s pace-bowling department looking depleted.

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