Debutant Akash Deep ripped apart England’s top order during the first session of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and England, at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Friday (Feb 23). Debuting for the national side, in place of senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah, the speedster had to wait for some time to take his first international scalp after he rattled Zak Crawley’s stumps on a no-ball. The youngster made early amends and removed Crawley, Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett in quick succession.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With England off to a flying start, at 47 for no loss, Akash got rid of in-form English openers Crawley and Duckett as well as first Test’s centurion Pope in the same over. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the video of the fast bowler’s three successive strikes on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Here is the clip:
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Akash removed Duckett with a thick edge whereas Crawley was clean bowled (earlier also dismissed in a similar fashion, only to be given a reprieve due to a no-ball by the debutant). In addition, Pope was outfoxed with an incoming delivery, getting trapped lbw.
Opting to bat first, Ben Stokes-led England finished the first session at 112 for 5, with R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also claiming a wicket each. However, it was Akash who made heads turn with his raw pace and line and length.
Bengal pacer Akash was included in the playing XI after Bumrah was rested for the Ranchi Test. He made a mark during India A-England Lion red-ball matches in Ahmedabad with 10 scalps. For his state team, the 27-year-old has claimed 104 wickets from 30 first-class games, at an average of 23.58.
India lead the five-match series 2-1 and are aiming to take an unassailable lead in Ranchi.
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