Gus Atkinson capped a remarkable first year in international cricket by claiming a hat-trick against New Zealand in Wellington.

The Surrey fast bowler became just the 14th Englishman to achieve the feat and first since Moeen Ali back in 2017.

Atkinson (26) has enjoyed a spectacular entry to Test cricket.

He took 12 wickets on his debut, against West Indies in July, by claiming seven for 45 and five for 61.

And when England played Sri Lanka there later in the summer he hit 118, his maiden first-class century, adding five for 62 when the tourists batted.

He has now collected 48 wickets from 12 matches but was taking second billing to the highly impressive Brydon Carse in Wellington until he rounded off New Zealand’s first innings in dramatic fashion.

Nathan Smith was his first victim, playing on to his stumps, before Matt Henry fenced an awkwardly-rising delivery to Ben Duckett at gully and then Tim Southee was plumb leg before wicket.

In doing so, Atkinson became the fourth Surrey bowler to take a hat-trick for England, following George Lohmann (1895-96), Maurice Allom (1929-30) and Peter Loader (1957).

“Obviously it’s been a great year for me personally and hopefully I can get a few more milestones and help the team,” said Atkinson.

His speedy ascent in the game has compensated for losing almost two seasons to back injuries earlier in his career.

England went on to win the match by 323 runs, putting them 2-0 up in the three-match series which concludes this week.

As a result they claimed the inaugural Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, named after former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe, the former Surrey and England batter who died earlier this year.

Atkinson’s colleague at the Kia Oval, Ollie Pope, also enjoyed a highly successful match, making 66 in a vital fifth-wicket partnership worth 174 in the first innings with centurion Harry Brook and claiming six catches behind the stumps.

Pope has been deputising for county colleague Jamie Smith – missing the tour through paternity leave – after the original replacement, Jordan Cox, suffered a hand injury in practise.

Pope made 77 in the first Test.

By Richard Spiller