Pace sensation Akash Deep is in a race to replace Mohammed Shami in India's Test squad if the latter is unable to regain fitness in time for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year.
Akash Deep to replace Mohammed Shami for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
As the Indian team management and selectors navigate the uncertainty surrounding Shami's fitness and availability, many are advocating for Akash Deep's inclusion in the squad for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Shami has been out for a year due to an Achilles tendon injury. With three crucial home Tests left before India's challenging five-match Test tour of Australia, the pace attack remains in a state of flux.
Four years ago, India's fast bowling attack was a force to be reckoned with in Australia, boasting a formidable lineup of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav. With Mohammed Siraj waiting in the wings, the team's pace bowling depth was undeniable. Now, as India seeks to rebuild its fast bowling unit, the selection of the first-choice trio is a pressing concern, especially given Shami's fitness. However, Akash Deep, according to former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, appears to be well-suited to take on the challenge and fill the void left by India's experienced pace bowlers in Australia.
“Akash has done a lot of bowling in domestic cricket. He understands what needs to be done. He also relies a lot on seam movement. You need that kind of bowler in Australia who can nip it around off the seam,” Mhambrey was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey suggested that India should strategically select five fast bowlers for the upcoming tour of Australia. He emphasised that even if Mohammed Shami recovers from his injury, India should still include one more pacer besides Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep. Mhambrey believes this is necessary to ensure that India's fast bowlers can manage their workload effectively throughout the tour.
“We are lucky to have someone like Bumrah who loves to play Test cricket. But Bumrah and Shami need to be rested in the middle of a long series. That's when the strategic selection comes into play,” he added.
Yash Dayal over Arshdeep Singh
While Paras Mhambrey believes Yash Dayal should be selected for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he does not favor the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh. In terms of spin bowling, Mhambrey feels that Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav are the best options for India to rely on during the high-stakes Test series against Australia.
“With Ashwin in the team and hopefully Kuldeep Yadav, a left-armer could be a strategic pick to create rough outside the off-stump. I feel Arshdeep maybe needs a bit more time to grow with the red ball, but Dayal looks like someone who could hit the deck,” Mhambrey concluded.
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