Broad Hails Akash Deep's Tactical Bowling Display in India vs. England Test

Former England bowler Stuart Broad has lauded Akash Deep for his effective performance during the second Test, highlighting the Indian seamer's strategic approach.

Broad explained that Akash Deep's ability to bring the stumps into play made him a greater threat compared to the England pacers on the Edgbaston track. "He brings the stumps into play, nips the ball," Broad said on Sky Sports, emphasizing the bowler's precision.

Broad specifically mentioned Akash Deep's delivery to Harry Brook in the first innings, where the ball went "through the gate and off stump out of the ground."

Broad advised India to utilize Akash Deep strategically, particularly with the new ball. "Start with him tomorrow while the ball's hard and while the ball's still got a bit of newness to it," he suggested, adding that a rest could be beneficial until the next new ball.

The former England pacer also highlighted Akash Deep's clever use of the crease, which contributed to dismissing Joe Root in the second innings.

"Using the crease. It's crucial. It's a skill and an art that every Test match bowler should have," Broad stated. He further elaborated on how varying the release position can disrupt the batsman's alignment.

Broad explained, "If you can change your release position by a couple of inches at a time, they're not necessarily turning their shoulders or their feet position... So that little movement can be that half-bat-width distance that can catch the edge or make them miss it and hit the stump."

He encouraged bowlers to practice these variations, even in league cricket. "Just go a foot wider but still imagine you're running in at off stump and just work with that, because if there's no swing in the air, you suddenly get a different angle that you can work with."