"Akash Deep has certainly bowled exceptionally well" - Anil Kumble lauds Rohit Sharma for selecting Bengal pacer

Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble praised debutant Akash Deep for his impressive performance in the fourth Test against England. Anil Kumble commended the team management’s decision to pick Akash Deep over Axar Patel in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence.

Team India rested Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test match at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. The home team handed a debut to Akash Deep in the penultimate game, with the young bowler receiving his Test cap from coach Rahul Dravid.

The Bengal pacer missed out on his maiden wicket due to a no-ball in the fourth over. The young pacer dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in the 10th over of England’s first innings. Akash went to pick up the wicket of Zak Crawley, who scored 42 runs, in the 12th over.

Team Management Certainly Got It Spot On – Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble acknowledged the team management’s choice to include Akash Deep instead of Axar Patel, despite the pitch conditions favoring a spinner like Patel. The former spinner stated that Akash Deep justified his selection with his bowling performance.

“The team management certainly got it spot on. When Bumrah wasn’t available for this game, there was an option to pick a fast bowler. India has always played two seamers in this series so far. Yes, we all thought the pitch was conducive, then maybe Axar Patel. But Akash has certainly bowled exceptionally well,” Kumble said on Jio Cinema during the Lunch break

Akash Deep boasts an impressive first-class record, having secured 104 wickets in 30 matches at an average of 23.58. He also showcased his excellent form in his recent performance for India A against England Lions, where he claimed 13 wickets in three games.

Akash Deep Bowled Good Lengths – Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble highlighted Akash Deep’s ability to consistently hit good lengths, which troubled the batters. The renowed commentator said that Akash delivered an exceptional bowling display against England.

“He bowled good lengths and most of the time, the length sort of got the better of the batter, that’s where they got beaten. On this surface, it is not easy for stroke play. That’s something England batters went searching for. But hats off to Akash. I thought he bowled exceptionally well for a debutant,” Kumble added.

Akash Deep capitalized on the uneven bounce and early moisture on the surface, causing trouble for the batters with his movement. The 27-year-old pacer’s impressive performance will boost his selection for the upcoming red ball match for the national team.

Despite his initial success, Akash Deep struggled to take additional wickets as the ball aged and spinners began to dominate. At the time of writing, England stands at 225-6 after 68 overs on Day 1. Joe Root and Ben Foakes added more than 100 runs for the sixth wicket.

Spin bowling duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, along with pacer Mohammed Shami, each claimed one wicket in England’s first innings. Kuldeep Yadav went wicketless in his seven-over spell, conceding 13 runs.

Also read: Watch: Heartbreak for Akash Deep as he castles Zak Crawley with a beauty but is denied by a no-ball