Gus Atkinson Ruled Out of West Indies ODIs, Fitness Race On for India Tests

England have suffered a huge blow ahead of their ODI series against the West Indies with fast bowler Gus Atkinson ruled out due to a hamstring injury. 

The Surrey pacer picked up the hamstring strain during the recent one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge and will now miss all three matches of the upcoming ODI series.

Gus Atkinson took three wickets against Zimbabwe but only bowled three overs on the third and final day of the match due to concerns regarding his hamstring.

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Gus Atkinson Ruled Out of West Indies ODIs, Targeting Comeback in India Tests

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday that Atkinson has been ruled out of the ODI series versus the West Indies. The media release stated that the 27-year-old is set to begin a period of rehabilitation under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff. 

"He will now undergo a period of rehabilitation under the supervision of the England medical team. No replacement will be added to the ODI squad," the ECB said as quoted in a media statement.

While there is still no clarity on Atkinson’s availability for the Test series against India, starting June 20, early media reports suggest that he is expected to get fit in time.

As of now, no replacement has been named in the squad, suggesting that the selectors are confident in the depth of their current fast-bowling pool. 

Atkinson’s absence adds to England’s growing list of injury concerns with Jofra Archer already out of the series after sustaining a thumb injury while playing in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) for Rajasthan Royals (RR). 

Despite these setbacks, England’s pace department remains well-stocked, with Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts and Luke Wood, who is Archer’s replacement, all available for selection.

Big Test for Harry Brook as He Starts His Captaincy Stint

The three-match ODI series against the West Indies starts on May 29 at Edgbaston, followed by matches in Cardiff on June 1 and The Oval on June 3. 

This will kickstart Harry Brook’s white-ball captaincy stint for England. The ODI series against the West Indies is also crucial for The Three Lions as they are currently eighth in the rankings. For a direct qualification to the ODI World Cup 2027, England cannot fall further than this.

England squad for West Indies ODIs: Harry Brook (c), Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith.

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