Akash Deep gives major update on Rohit Sharma's availability for Boxing Day Test after captain gets hits on knee during practice session

India's 28-year-old pacer Akash Deep clarified that Rohit Sharma did not suffer any major injury while batting in the nets on December 22 in Melbourne.

Sports Tak

• Sun • 22 Dec 2024

Akash Deep talking to the media at the MCG, Rohit Sharma after taking a hit on the knee while batting in the nets.

Highlights:

Akash Deep took 3 wickets in his first Test on Australian soil.

Deep found difficulties in adjusting his line and length on Australian pitches.

Deep informed that Rohit Sharma is fit to play in the MCG Test.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma on December 22 was hit on knee by throwdown speciallist Daya's delivery while batting in the nets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Rohit received medical attention as the physio was icing the affected area on his left knee. After the practice session, India pacer Akash Deep was asked about the extent of the injury. Deep made it clear that Rohit will play the Boxing Day Test as it is not a major injury, just routine for a batter practicing in the nets.

"Injuries like thse keep happening when you play. I don't think it will matter much and he's okay. He will be seen playing in the Melbourne Test match. There is nothing to worry about," Deep told the reporters.

Deep was not a part of the playing XI in the first two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. For the Gabba Test, he replaced Harshit Rana in the side. He bowled well as the first-change bowler but went for plenty. His only wicket in the first innings was of Alex Carey who was looking to score quickly.

As India were on the brink of getting all out and facing follow-on, Deep walked in to bat at no.11. He scored 31 runs in the 10th wicket partnership with Jasprit Bumrah. The tailenders prevented the follow-on and helped the tourists post 260 on the board. Both Deep and Bumrah hit one six each off Australian captain Pat Cummins.

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Later, Deep proved his mettle with the ball as well. On Day 5, The 28-year-old got the wickets of opener Nathan McSweeney and Mitchell Marsh. Both the Australian batters edged it to wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.

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Deep on his experience of bowling in Australia

Deep also opened up on the challenges of bowling on Australian conditions and how a bowler can get overwhelmed.

"It is a bit difficult. I have played most of my cricket in India. We can bowl shorter lengths there, but here it is a bit of a challenge," he explained.

"Sometimes you think you are bowling really well. Jo bhi wicket ya condition ho, as a fast bowler discipline mein rehna kaafi important hota hai (Whatever the conditions or wickets are, as a fast bowler, you need to maintain discipline)," the 28-year-old added.