England’s Gus Atkinson attend a practice session ahead of their first Twenty20 international cricket match against India at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on January 21, 2025. (Photo by Dibyangshu Sarkar / AFP)
London: Gus Atkinson wants to play as much as he can for England in 2025 but the fast bowler is well aware of the need to stay fit for marquee Test series against India and Australia.
The 27-year-old Surrey quick only made his Test debut in July but has since taken 52 wickets at an impressively low average of 22.15 in 11 matches, while also scoring 118 against Sri Lanka at Lord's.
But he has now featured in 11 one-day internationals as well, most recently during Brendon McCullum's debut series as white-ball head coach in India in January and February this year.
And while aware of his growing status as an all-format international, Atkinson's attention is fixed on an upcoming five-Test series at home to India and a 2025/26 tour of Australia where England will look to regain the Ashes.
"I've always been trying to chase playing back-to-back games and multiple games in a row for Surrey, so to be able to do it for England is nice and a positive," said Atkinson.
"It has been a tiring eight to nine months, (I've) bowled a lot more than I usually have but I'm happy with how I've dealt with it all.
"I've had a few conversations, I'll play a small amount of games for Surrey and then obviously there is a lot of cricket this summer for England... You look at it and can't pre-empt what you're going to play and not going to play."
He added: "I think there might be a bit of rotation with the bowlers but that's not to say we won't be involved in all the squads.
"You look at it and say, 'right, I want to be involved in everything,' but obviously the two main ones being the India series and the Ashes, I think those are the two things they'll be wanting people to be fresh and ready for.
"It is a good thing having Baz (McCullum) in all formats. Not having to chop and change between different coaches and different styles, I think having the same environment will be a good thing."
Away from England duty, Atkinson will look to help Surrey retain their County Championship title, starting with a match against Essex on April 4.
"I don't know what my role will be personally at Surrey and whether I'll take the new ball or not," he said. "Whatever happens, I'll just try to win games."
