Akash Deep's Fighting Spirit: Debutant Pacer Shakes England After India's Mammoth Score

Akash Deep delivered a crucial performance, claiming the wickets of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, leaving England struggling after India posted a formidable 587 in their first innings at Edgbaston.

India's bowling attack faced intense scrutiny after the Leeds Test. Despite Jasprit Bumrah's impressive five-wicket haul in the first innings at Headingley, he was rested for the second Test in Birmingham.

The decision to include Akash Deep, a pacer making his Test debut in England, raised questions. India had lost seven of their eight previous Tests at Edgbaston, making the call to bench Bumrah seem risky. However, by the end of Day 2, Akash Deep silenced his doubters, placing India in a commanding position.

Akash Deep silenced his doubters with his first spell in Birmingham. (Image: AP)

Akash Deep's Resilient Performance

Akash Deep faced a challenging start after India's mammoth first innings total. He conceded 12 runs in his opening over, as Zak Crawley attacked with two boundaries. The young pacer also bowled a no-ball, adding to the pressure.

The decision to rest Bumrah was again questioned. However, Akash Deep demonstrated resilience, dismissing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, who had both scored centuries in the previous Test at Leeds. Both batsmen were dismissed for ducks in Birmingham.

Despite being somewhat expensive, conceding 36 runs in seven overs, Akash Deep's breakthroughs shifted momentum in India's favor.

His spell echoed his Test debut in February 2024 at Ranchi, where he dismissed Crawley, Duckett, and Pope, leaving England struggling at 57 for 3. India won that match by five wickets, securing the series 3–1.

Praise for Akash Deep's Courage

Cheteshwar Pujara praised Akash Deep's impactful performance. The veteran lauded the young pacer's courage and ability to handle pressure.

"The way he started was brilliant to see. The first over went for 12 runs, but the way he came back—bowling the same length again and again—showed real courage... He was under pressure early on, but came back strong and took two wickets. That’s impressive, especially considering it’s his first Test match in England," Pujara stated.

Pujara added, "It's not easy for a fast bowler playing his first game here, but he really set the tone for India—first with the score they put on the board, and then with the bowlers making early inroads."

Akash Deep's task is not yet complete. After reducing England to 25 for three, India was stalled by an unbeaten 52-run partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook. An early breakthrough on Day 3 could solidify India's position in the driver's seat.