On Friday, February 23, Akash Deep marked his entry into international cricket impressively by making his debut as a right-arm pacer in the ongoing fourth Test between India and England in Ranchi.
Akash Deep proved his worth as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement, making a significant impact by swiftly dismantling England’s top order. Despite a no-ball incident that nullified Zak Crawley’s dismissal in his second over, he bounced back impressively.
Akash Deep made crucial breakthroughs after Ben Duckett and Crawley’s 47-run partnership, dismissing Duckett and Ollie Pope in the tenth over. Another clean bowled ten runs later left England at 57 for 3. Operating consistently in the high 130s to low 140s, the 27-year-old showcased impressive line and length, causing trouble for the batters throughout the first session.
After the first day game, Zak Crawley said,”Akash Deep made crucial breakthroughs after Ben Duckett and Crawley’s 47-run partnership, dismissing Duckett and Ollie Pope in the tenth over. Another clean bowled ten runs later left England at 57 for 3. Operating consistently in the high 130s to low 140s, the 27-year-old showcased impressive line and length, causing trouble for the batters throughout the first session.”
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Akash Deep was compared to India’s star bowler Mohammed Shami, due to similarities in their bowling style, line, and length. When questioned about these comparisons at the end of the day’s play, Akash Deep said,”In my childhood, I didn’t know about cricket. From where I come, there is no cricket. I was playing tennis and cricket till 2007. In 2016, when I left home, I started following Shami bhai. I watch him and Rabada closely.”