India speedsters Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj were the biggest talking point during Day 3 of the second Test match against England at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. Siraj, who was quite expensive in the first Test at Leeds, picked up six wickets and Akash Deep, who missed the first clash, was included in India's playing XI for the second Test in place of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The 28-year-old got the new ball to talk on a flat surface and was rewarded with a four-wicket haul in his first match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
After the end of Day 3, Akash Deep responded to a question on was he disappointed at not being picked for the first Test at Leeds?
"I don't think like that. I just focus on my preparation. The way the wicket is and their batting line up, you have to keep it simple and bowl as per your strengths.
"Siraj and I were talking amongst each other regularly in the middle; the plan was to bowl in partnerships and not give away runs. I was attacking upfront and Siraj was holding the other end (on day two).
"I had expected the ball to seam and swing in England but on these kinds of flat wickets, you can only be disciplined about your plans," said Akash Deep after stumps.
He said the constant backing of bowling coach Morne Morkel and head coach Gautam Gambhir helped him to stay in good spirits when he was not playing.
"They were sharing their experiences of playing in England. That backing reflected in my game. They were motivated by praising my skills," said the medium pacer.
Akash Deep also revealed that he got to know a day before the second Test that he would be the team's second seamer alongside Mohammed Siraj.
"Got to know only a day before the game I would be playing, but the mindset that I have is to be ready at all times. I am not thinking what would happen at Lord's. The focus is on winning this game. We still have five days left."
After a performance like this, Akash Deep has effectively sealed his spot for the next Test with Bumrah set to return. Prasidh Krishna is the most likely to make way for the India pace spearhead.
Coming back to the second Test, at stumps, India were 64 for one in 13 overs with the loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal (28 off 22), leading England by 244 runs. KL Rahul (28 batting off 38) looked in sublime touch and was joined by Karun Nair (7 batting off 18) in the middle.