Win Projections to be updated soon
Gus Atkinson will miss the men’s Hundred final as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has pulled him from the match to prepare for England’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Despite an impressive debut series against the West Indies, Atkinson, who has only played one game for Oval Invincibles this season, will focus on the Test series starting Wednesday instead of participating in Sunday’s final at Lord’s.
Gus Atkinson to Miss Men’s Hundred Final
Gus Atkinson will not feature in the final of the men’s Hundred after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made him unavailable to focus on preparing for England’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Atkinson, who has had a standout performance in his debut series against the West Indies, taking 22 wickets and being named Player of the Series, will be absent from Sunday’s final at Lord’s. His only appearance for the Oval Invincibles this season was a match against the Trent Rockets, where he recorded 0 for 28 in 10 balls.
Invincibles’ captain Sam Billings expressed understanding regarding Atkinson’s withdrawal, noting the team’s continued strength with Saqib Mahmood, who has been exceptional throughout the tournament. With pacer Spencer Johnson also sidelined due to injury, Tom Curran’s return after being rested provides a boost for the team. Billings highlighted that while it’s disappointing to lose Atkinson, Mahmood’s performance has been a positive factor for the Invincibles.
ECB’s Strategic Moves: Key Players in High-Stakes Knockouts
In the wake of Ben Stokes’ hamstring injury, which has ended his summer season, the ECB is taking a cautious approach to player availability. Chris Woakes has been withdrawn from the tournament, but Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett from Birmingham Phoenix, and Jordan Cox from the Invincibles are available for the weekend’s matches before the first Test. Billings noted the advantage of Jordan Cox’s participation in the final at Lord’s, calling it excellent preparation for international cricket.
Jofra Archer is expected to be fit for both the Saturday eliminator and Sunday’s final, assuming Southern Brave advance. Despite recent back and elbow issues, Brave captain James Vince anticipates no restrictions on Archer’s participation in the knockout rounds. Vince remains hopeful that Archer’s limited travel and minimal workload will allow him to perform without issues. In the women’s Hundred, Chamari Athapaththu will miss the Invincibles’ eliminator due to international commitments, with Laura Harris joining as cover.
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