Akash Deep debuts for India in fourth Test match against England

Before the start of the fourth Test match between India and England in JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi Akash Deep received his Test cap for India. India has rested Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test against England to manage his workload.

Jasprit Bumrah who has taken 17 wickets so far in this series is the leading wicket-taker. In the second Test against England, he took 9 wickets which led India to win the second Test match in Vizag. Jasprit Bumrah has played a major role in India’s bowling line-up. For the fourth Test match, his absence will be missed.

As Akash Deep has made his Test debut, he might be able to fill the void left by Jasprit Bumrah. He can bowl fast and has good line and length as Ranchi wicket may help a fast bowler as it may offer seam movement before the cracks begin to play a role.

Decent record in domestic cricket

There were two fast bowling options to support Mohammed Siraj in the fourth Test. As Indian management has gone with Akash Deep. Akash Deep had a good performance for India A against England Lions in an unofficial Test match. He picked 12 wickets in the unofficial Test for India A. In domestic cricket, Akash Deep is the highest wicket-taker for Bengal. He has also played 30 first-class games and took 104 wickets, averaging 23.58. Akash Deep has good form with the bat also. In first-class cricket, he has scored 53 runs which is his highest score so far while he has smashed 32 sixes and 28 fours.

Mukesh Kumar failed to make his mark in this Test series so far. After the second Test match, he was released from the Indian squad to play Ranji Trophy marches. He picked 10 wickets and was named in the squad for the remaining Test matches against England.