England’s bowling attack is undergoing a transformation, with Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse emerging as pivotal figures. The pair’s performances during the winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand have been impressive, with a combined tally of 39 wickets across the two series. Six months ago, England’s planning for the Ashes focused on getting Mark Wood and Jofra Archer fit, but now Atkinson and Carse have raised doubts over whether Wood and Archer will make the team. Though Atkinson has played only 10 Tests and Carse just four, both have already proven their ability to pose significant threats at this level.
The two bowlers offer contrasting styles. Atkinson tends to bowl with a skiddy trajectory, often delivering a back-of-a-length ball that could potentially hit the top of the stumps. He is also capable of extracting some swing. On the other hand, Carse generates more bounce by hitting the pitch hard, relying on seam movement to challenge batsmen. While Chris Woakes continues to take the new ball, it is Atkinson and Carse who have rattled opposition batsmen most effectively.
An added advantage for both bowlers is their batting ability. This could prove crucial in the upcoming Ashes series, particularly in Australia, where England’s lower order has historically struggled against short-pitched bowling. In the 2017-18 Ashes tour, England’s lower-order batsmen were frequently targeted by the Australian bowlers, with even skilled players like Woakes finding it difficult to cope. Atkinson and Carse, however, have demonstrated a solid eye for the ball and are capable of contributing with the bat, a quality that could add valuable runs to the lower order.
Both have experience in the shorter formats of the game, which has helped them develop an aggressive batting approach. This adds depth to England’s batting lineup, making them formidable opponents even when the top-order fails. The ability to contribute with both bat and ball is vital, especially in the challenging conditions of Australia, where teams are often tested by relentless short-pitched bowling.
While it would be a bonus for England to have Wood and Archer fit for the Ashes, the current form of Atkinson and Carse means they are the first-choice bowlers at the moment. The challenging conditions in Pakistan, where the pair had to work hard for their wickets, seemed to have honed their skills, allowing them to capitalize on the more favorable conditions in New Zealand. Their combined efforts have shown that they are ready for the rigors of Test cricket and can handle different playing conditions.
In addition to Atkinson and Carse, England’s bowling options are further bolstered by the presence of Matt Potts, Olly Stone, and Josh Tongue, who are also in New Zealand. Potts, in particular, has proven himself to be a dependable bowler, while Tongue’s height and awkward action make him a potentially valuable asset in the future. The variety of bowling options at England’s disposal gives them a lot of flexibility as they look to build a potent attack heading into next year’s major series against India and Australia.
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes’ return as a bowler has been a huge positive for England. In the opening Test in Christchurch, he bowled more overs than he had in any match for nearly two years, showing excellent pace and athleticism. Having a middle-order batter who can also contribute with the ball adds invaluable balance to the team. Stokes’ recent form with the bat has been relatively quiet, but he is beginning to regain his fluency, which could be crucial for England’s chances in the coming months.
On the batting front, England has reason to be optimistic as well. Harry Brook’s recent form has been outstanding, with the young batsman playing with confidence and power. His ability to disrupt bowlers by coming down the pitch and using his feet has impressed many, particularly against fast bowlers like Matt Henry. However, Joe Root, despite Brook’s rise, remains England’s best batter. Root’s consistency and craftsmanship set him apart, and although Brook’s time may come, Root is still the player England looks to when it matters most.
In conclusion, England’s pace attack, now anchored by Atkinson and Carse, is in a strong position heading into the Ashes and beyond. Their ability to deliver both with the ball and the bat adds depth to the team, and with the growing variety in their bowling options, England can be optimistic about their chances in upcoming series.
