Akash Deep makes impressive debut in the fast lane

“I felt really bad and thought my team should not get behind because of me, so there was tension as he [Crawley] is a good batsman and can score quickly,” Akash said at the post-match presser, explaining his emotions at that precise moment

On Friday morning, when Rohit Sharma lost the crucial toss on a challenging pitch, India were desperate to make the new ball count. Their first aim though was not to leak runs with the new ball, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. However, debutant Akash Deep exceeded expectations by packing a punch with a fiery opening spell and running through England’s top three within the first hour itself.

The wicket had a bit of dampness upfront and bowling from the pavilion end, Akash used the conditions to his advantage. He was moving the ball sharply both ways and hitting the corridor of uncertainty consistently. Soon, the 27-year-old broke through Zak Crawley’s defence, sending his off-stump for a walk in the fourth over of the day. However, his celebrations were cut short by umpire Rod Tucker for overstepping.

No ball regret

“I felt really bad and thought my team should not get behind because of me, so there was tension as he [Crawley] is a good batsman and can score quickly,” Akash said at the post-match presser, explaining his emotions at that precise moment.

Nevertheless, leaving behind the disappointment, Akash concentrated on the job at hand and eventually got rewarded when the in-form Ben Duckett nicked one behind, following a 47-run opening stand. No. 3 Ollie Pope lasted just two deliveries when a big in-swinger stuck his pad right in-front as Akash picked up his second wicket in the 10th over.

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Crawley too couldn’t capitalise on his earlier reprieve as he lost his off stump after a run-a-ball 42. Akash had England tottering at 57 for 3 before the first drinks break and put India in the driver’s seat.

“When I started out bowling with the new ball [I] didn’t get much help so I tried bowling from an angle. I just wanted to stick to my process, to back my strength and bowl in the right areas. It became easy then,” said Akash (3-70 off 17 overs), explaining his approach with the new ball.

Hailing from a small village near Sasaram city in Bihar, Akash has been through an emotional journey early in life. He had never touched a leather ball prior to 2016 and only decided to play serious cricket after losing his father and brother in the same year.

That emotional feeling

“I was very emotional [after getting the Test cap from head coach Rahul Dravid]. I thought I have to do something after I lost both my dad and brother in one year, so I stepped out to play cricket. Bengal supported me well. My family played a big role in my journey. I had nothing to lose,” said Akash who made an impressive debut in front of his family members and certainly looks an exciting prospect for Indian cricket.

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