India's pace sensation, Akash Deep, made a memorable Test debut against England, showcasing his talent with a stunning performance that saw him claim three crucial wickets at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
Handed his Test cap by head coach Rahul Dravid, Akash Deep stepped onto the field with determination, filling the shoes of the rested Jasprit Bumrah. The right-arm pacer from Bengal faced an early setback when his dream debut dismissal of Zak Crawley was denied due to a no-ball infringement in just the fourth over of the match. Despite the disappointment, Akash Deep remained undeterred.
In the 10th over, Akash Deep struck with precision, inducing an edge from opener Ben Duckett, which was safely pouched by wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel, providing India with the crucial breakthrough.
The 27-year-old continued his onslaught, trapping England's vice-captain Ollie Pope leg-before-wicket (LBW) in the very next ball, tilting the game's momentum firmly in India's favour.
Akash Deep's relentless pressure on the English batsmen almost yielded another wicket as he appealed for an LBW against Joe Root. Although the decision went in Root's favour upon review, Akash Deep persisted with his aggressive bowling.
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, extended Akash Deep's opening spell, a decision that paid dividends. In his sixth over, the debutant made amends for his earlier no-ball blunder by dismissing Crawley, this time without any overstepping, to claim his third wicket of the day.
Akash Deep's exceptional bowling performance left the visitors struggling at 57 for 3, firmly placing India in control during the first session in Ranchi.
Akash Deep was called-up by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prior to India's third Test against England in Rajkot, for the outgoing Avesh Khan. He could be in line to make his Test debut in the fourth match, set to begin on Feburary 23 in Ranchi.
After a terrific display in the India A series against England Lions, Akash Deep has been preferred as the fourth-choice pacer to face England for the remainder of the series.
The Bihar-born bowler revealed to PTI about how playing cricket was considered as a crime from where he hailed. In search of better opportunities, Deep shifted to West Bengal, and has represented the Bengal Team in the domestic circuit.
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Who is Akash Deep?
Akash Deep is a 27-year-old right-arm pacer. He was born to the family of a teacher, in Bihar. His father was placed in Sasaram, and considered cricket as a bane for his child. Akash revealed how he secretly played cricket in his childhood.
The road has never been smooth for Akash, who faced two tragedies as a youngster. As he moved to Durgapur in search of better opportunities as a cricketer, he lost his father to a stroke, and his elder brother just two months later. Akash was forced to give up cricket and take care of his mother for three years, after which he joined the United Club in Kolkata.
In his initial days back in the game, while playing for the Bengal U-23s, Akash Deep faced a career-threatening back injury. However, he came back strong, eventually playing for the senior team in 2019. He hit the financial jackpot when Royal Challengers Bangalore secured his services in the IPL for Rs 20 lakh.
India head coach Rahul Dravid paid tribute to Akash's struggles and hard work in a touching speech during the presentation of his Test cap in Ranchi on Friday.
Words that inspire 🗣️ ft. Rahul Dravid
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2024
Dreams that come true 🥹
A debut vision like never seen before 🎥
Akash Deep - What a story 📝#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/vSOSmgECfC
When did Akash Deep make his First Class debut?
Akash Deep made his First Class debut for Bengal in a Ranji Trophy game against Andhra at the Eden Gardens on 25 December 2019. It was a Merry Christmas for Akash, who had moved a step further in his career.
Little did he know, he would go on to receive a call-up, five years down the line. After all that he had been through until that point, Akash picked three wickets on debut.
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What is Akash Deep's record in first-class cricket?
Akash Deep has picked 104 wickets in just 30 first-class matches. His best bowling figures of 6/60 came against Gujarat in the 2019-20 season.
| Years Active | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 - Present | 30 | 49 | 104 | 23.58 | 46.6 | 3.03 | 6/60; 10/112 |
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How has Akash Deep performed in the 2024 season?
Akash Deep has played five first-class matches since the start of 2024. The 27-year-old has had a stellar season so far, for both Bengal and India A. His exploits with the red-ball have earned him his maiden Test call-up ahead of the third Test match in Rajkot.
Deep was the leading wicket-taker in India A's series against England Lions. He picked 11 wickets and has indeed impressed the selectors.
Here is Akash Deep's record for Bengal and India A in red-ball cricket so far this year.
| Matches | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy | 4w | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 16 | 24.62 | 50.5 | 2.93 | 4 | 193 |
Will Akash Deep play for India in Ranchi Test?
After receiving his first call-up to the national team squad in Rajkot, the latest reports have suggested that Akash could be in line to play the fourth Test in Ranchi. The BCCI has already confirmed that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the match.
Fellow Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar was called up to the squad as Bumrah's replacement, but after an unremarkable performance in the second Test, he could remain benched as the team management opts to play Akash instead.
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