Former India captain Anil Kumble praised fast bowler Akash Deep, commending his exceptional performance as a debutant. Akash Deep had a memorable debut against England at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
Akash Deep takes 3 wickets
27-year-old Deep picked up three wickets in his first spell in Test cricket as he dented England's batting lineup early in Ranchi. He dismissed Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley in the first session of Day 1.
Speaking to JioCinema during the lunch break on Day 1, Kumble remarked that the team management made the right decision in selecting Akash Deep.
Head coach Rahul Dravid presented Deep with his Test cap ahead of their match against England in Ranchi.
'Akash Deep has certainly bowled very well'
"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. Yes, we thought Axar Patel might come in if the pitch was helpful for spinners but Akash Deep has certainly bowled very well. He bowls that much quicker and bowled in really good areas. He bowled good lengths which got the better of the batter," said Kumble.
He further commented on Deep's consistent line and length, affirming his excellent performance as a debutant. Deep's impressive bowling left the visitors struggling at 57 for 3, giving India an early advantage in the fourth Test.
"On this surface it's not easy for strokeplay. So that's something that the batters went searching for. But hat's off to Akash, he just held his line. He was very consistent with his line and length. I thought he bowled exceptionally well for a debutant," Kumble added.
With a 2-1 lead, India aim to secure victory in the five-match Test series. England initially led the series with a narrow 28-run win in Hyderabad. However, the hosts responded with consecutive victories in Vizag and Rajkot to take the lead in the series.
India starting XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
England starting XI
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson.
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