England's pace-bowling worries have deepened after Gus Atkinson suffered a concussion during Surrey's County Championship clash against Nottinghamshire. The 28-year-old was struck twice on the head by international teammate Josh Tongue while batting in Surrey's first innings at Trent Bridge.

The second blow was particularly severe, prompting Atkinson to eventually retire on 27 after initially battling on. He has been replaced in the match by Reece Topley, adding to a growing injury list that threatens England's plans for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

This setback comes at a crucial time, with England expected to name their squad for the first Test at Lord's, starting June 4. The pace department looks increasingly depleted: Jofra Archer's IPL commitments may keep him from Test cricket, Brydon Carse has a broken wrist, Mark Wood is recovering from knee surgery, and Chris Woakes has retired from international cricket.

Atkinson's injury follows a difficult period that saw him miss much of last summer with a hamstring problem, including the fifth Ashes Test. His Surrey teammate Ollie Pope also raised concerns by batting at number 10 due to a hand injury.

With Atkinson and Tongue previously considered the leading seam-bowling options, England's selectors face some tough decisions. Potential replacements include Ollie Robinson, who could end his international exile, or Essex's Sam Cook, who has just one Test cap. Hampshire's Sonny Baker and Lancashire's Mitchell Stanley are also in contention, while captain Ben Stokes has just returned to action for Durham, opening the possibility of him shouldering more bowling responsibility.