Akash Deep receives maiden India call-up for the Test series vs England- Report
Published - 10 Feb 2024, 11:29 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:26 AM
Bengal medium pacer Akash Deep reportedly received his maiden call-up to the Indian Test team for the remaining three matches against England. Akash Deep has been chosen over Avesh Khan as a backup pacer for the ongoing five-match red-ball series on home soil.
The BCCI senior national selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is set to unveil the squad today. Delays in the selection process arose due to injuries among players, prompting the committee to await official reports from the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Team India faces the challenge of not being able to field their first-choice playing XI due to several unfortunate reasons. The home team must ensure they equip themselves in the best way possible to continue their dominance in the longer format on home soil.
Akash Deep Receives Maiden Call-Up From Test Team – Report
According to the Indian Express, Akash Deep has earned a notable call-up to the Indian Test squad for the final three matches against England. Akash impressed skipper Rohit Sharma with his bowling display against the England Lions in an unofficial match in Ahmedabad.
Akash Deep, hailing from Bihar, boasts an impressive record in first-class cricket. The right-arm pacer has picked up 103 wickets in 29 red-ball matches at an average of 23.18. He has secured four five-wicket hauls, with his best figures of 6/60 in an innings in red-ball cricket.
The selection committee decided that Avesh Khan would benefit more from participating in the Ranji Trophy than from remaining on the Test side’s bench. Avesh earned his maiden Test call-up in South Africa, and he retained his position in the squad for the home series.
KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja Return To Indian Team For Third Test
According to a recent ESPNCricinfo report, former skipper Virat Kohli is unlikely to participate in the upcoming third and fourth Tests, although there remains a faint chance of him featuring in the series finale. He opted out of the first two matches due to personal reasons.
KL Rahul, who was sidelined from the second Test in Visakhapatnam due to a quad strain, is expected to return to the Indian squad for the third Test against England. The right-handed batter brings his experience back to the team, especially in Virat Kohli’s absence.
Rahul showcased his prowess with a fluent 86 in the first innings of the opening Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Despite a promising start in the second innings, the 31-year-old was dismissed for 22 runs after being trapped lbw by Joe Root.
Reports suggest that Ravindra Jadeja is making good progress in his recovery and may join the playing XI. The all-rounder sustained a hamstring injury in the first Test in Hyderabad. The Indian team might change their bowling combination for the upcoming red-ball match.
The third Test between India and England is scheduled to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, starting on Thursday, February 15.
