England suffered a major blow ahead of the Test series against India as their fast bowler Gus Atkinson became uncertain for the first Test in Leeds, starting June 20, due to a hamstring injury.

“Gus Atkinson is a doubt for the first Test against India later this month because of a right hamstring strain - adding to England’s injury concerns among their seamers,” a report in the BBC read.

The 27-year-old pacer, who has played 12 Tests for England since his debut against West Indies in 2024, has picked up 55 wickets from 12 matches. Atkinson suffered the injury during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe last month, which ruled him out of the just-concluded ODI series against West Indies, which England won 3-0.

Atkinson has claimed three five-wicket hauls in his 12 Tests and remains a vital cog in England’s bowling department.

Though Atkinson still has two weeks to recover from the injury, he faces a race against time. With England already dealing with the injuries of Mark Wood and Olly Stone, Atkinson’s absence will be a further blow to the hosts. To add to that, Jofra Archer’s return to Test cricket has also been delayed by a thumb injury.

If Atkinson is unable to recover in time, England may turn to Matthew Potts or Sam Cook to step in alongside Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse.

India will play a five-match Test series against England, with the first Test starting on June 20, while the second and third Tests will begin on July 2 and July 10 respectively at Edgbaston and Lord’s.

The fourth Test will be played at Old Trafford, starting July 23, while the fifth and final Test will be played at the Oval, starting July 31. The series will see a young Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, taking on England.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports, Cricket, IPL 2025, IPL Points Table, IPL Orange Cap, IPL Purple Cap and around the world.