"Gautam Gambhir says you don't know.."- Akash Deep causes stir
Indian pacer Akash Deep has emerged as an overnight sensation in the longest format of the game for India. The fast bowler bowled very well during the Edgbaston test, as the bowler picked 4 wickets that included vital breakthroughs of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and Chris Woakes.
The star pacer, after his success with the ball, revealed a vital insight from Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, which he received before setting foot on the field for the 2nd Test. Akash made his long-awaited debut for India and has bowled occasionally for the country, picking up wickets at regular intervals.
Akash Deep reveals talks with the head coach before the Edgbaston test
Akash Deep has often been seen in the Indian practice nets, bowling long spells and toiling hard. The former RCB pacer has also been seen in talks with head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel.
When he was questioned about the same after the end of the day's play, the star pacer said that Gautam Gambhir, from his experience, gave mental strength to the star pacer. These talks were what added to his undying confidence, despite being hit for some runs.
"He was sharing his experience and, as a coach, the kind of confidence a player needs—he has given me that ever since I joined the team. That very confidence was reflected in my performance during the match," said Akash Deep in the post-match conference.
"He always says positive things. He tells me, 'You might not even know the kind of skill you possess, the talent in your hands.' That kind of motivation is very important for a cricketer."
"Honestly, sometimes we’re not even able to read ourselves properly. But when someone with that much experience says something like that about you, your confidence naturally goes up," added Akash.
Also Read: Watch: Akash Deep bamboozles Harry Brook with a ripper to break 303-run partnership at Edgbaston
Will Akash Deep be a part of India's 11 at Lord's?
Akash Deep was included in the playing 11 for the second test at Edgbaston; however, he was not a part of the 11 when India took on England in the first test at Leeds.
He replaced the likes of the legendary Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the second test, citing a reduction in his workload. However, when Jasprit Bumrah returns to the Indian playing 11 for the third test at Lord's, what will be Akash Deep's future, despite a strong performance at Birmingham?
Akash, citing his promising wicket-taking ability, can be part of the 11, replacing Prasidh Krishan, who has had an expensive outing here at Edgbaston. However, the decisions are totally in the hands of the team management.
India ended Day 3 with a 244-run lead
India wonderfully started off Day 3 as they bowled wisely to take back-to-back wickets of Joe Root and skipper Ben Stokes. England was troubled in the first hour of play; however, Jamie Smith and Harry Brook's 300-run partnership for the 6th wicket took England to a dominating position until tea.
Akash Deep was again the main man in the breakthrough, as he bowled Harry Brook with an inswinger that nipped back in. Mohammed Siraj joined the party as England were bowled out for 407.
India came into bat as the Indian openers scored quick runs; however, Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed too early. At the end of Day 3's play, India were 64/1, with KL Rahul and Karun Nair on the crease.
ALSO READ: Watch: Akash Deep destroys England with twin blows as Shubman Gill, KL Rahul take stunners
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India National Cricket Team England National Cricket Team India vs England England vs India Akash Deep Gautam Gambhir Jasprit Bumrah
