India’s pace attack got just the spark it needed in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, thanks to a fiery spell from Bengal speedster Akash Deep, who turned heads on Day 2 of the second Test at Edgbaston. Handed a surprise debut in England’s conditions, the 28-year-old grabbed the opportunity with both hands, making an instant impact with back-to-back wickets that rattled the hosts early.
With Bumrah rested to manage his workload after an intense first Test, many anticipated Arshdeep Singh to slot into the XI due to his left-arm angle and recent red-ball form. However, the Indian team management went with Akash Deep, a decision that raised quite a few eyebrows. But within minutes of getting the ball in hand, Akash silenced all doubters.
Opening the bowling alongside Mohammed Siraj, Akash started a touch expensively, conceding 12 runs in his first over. But he quickly adjusted his length and rhythm. In just his second over, he produced a double blow that left England reeling.
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First, he removed the dangerous Ben Duckett with a probing length ball outside off. Duckett fended at it and edged it to the slip cordon, where Shubman Gill, fresh off a double hundred, completed a sharp two-handed catch.
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The very next ball, Akash sent down a full, angling delivery to Ollie Pope. The England No. 3, one of the heroes of the first Test, was squared up completely and handed a thick leading edge to KL Rahul at second slip, who juggled before completing the grab. Pope walked back for a golden duck.
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Akash Deep’s early strikes gave India the upper hand and injected energy into the side on a day already dominated by Shubman Gill’s historic double century. The young pacer’s aggression and control proved he belongs at this level.
