Atkinson was dealing with persistent injury setbacks when two members of his age-group at Surrey - Sam Curran and Ollie Pope were appearing for England and others were making waves on the domestic scene.
Recurring stress fractures in his back in 2017, 2018 and 2019 would have tested the resolve of anyone, but Atkinson was able to contextualise an injury that is an occupational hazard for fast bowlers.
He has hardly looked back since his first-team debut in 2020 and his 90mph-plus speeds for Surrey and Oval Invincibles in The Hundred have seen him fast-tracked into England's preliminary World Cup squad.
The uncapped paceman said: "I never really felt like I was not going to make it.
This story is from the August 23, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 23, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
JOS LEARNS TO LIGHTEN LOAD
JOS Buttler admitted lightening his workload by giving up the wicketkeeping role has helped him to appreciate England's T20 series victory over the West Indies even more.
ON CLAUD NINE City's teen star on his humble journey to global headlines
CLAUDIO Echeverri is used to life in the limelight.
Starmer in call for 'respectful' ties with China
SIR Keir Starmer has said he told Xi Jinping he wanted \"respectful\" relations with Beijing as he became the first prime minister to meet the Chinese president since 2018.
Farmers to protest over inheritance tax
LARGE demonstrations by farmers were expected in London today as they fight to reverse \"absolutely unacceptable\" changes to inheritance tax.
Man jailed for arson threat on mosques
A FATHER-OF-FOUR who made a TikTok video threatening to burn down every mosque in Newcastle has been jailed for 20 months.
STABBING VICTIM IS FOUND 'COVERED IN BLOOD'
A MAN was seen 'bleeding on the floor' after he was stabbed in a horror attack on a street.
Mexican drinks and pool right on cue at new bar
A RESTAURANT recently nominated as one of the city's best has unveiled a first look at its new sister bar set to open next month - which will focus on tequila and pool.
Can Eibn project solve homes crisis?
PLANS TO BUILD 3,300 'HIGH QUALITY' HOMES AND A 'VIBRANT NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD' HAS BEEN GREETED WITH CYNICISM
Crumbling hospital unit gets mayor redevelopment
A HOSPITAL building where crumbling concrete was discovered is set to undergo a major redevelopment.
More comedy dates from special Kay
COMEDY fans are in for a treat after Peter Kay announced a new run of tour dates in a surprise announcement on Sunday night.
