India leveled the five-match Test series by defeating England in the second match with a massive margin of 336 runs. Fast bowler Akash Deep played a crucial role in this stunning victory.
Sports News: Indian fast bowler Akash Deep delivered a performance in the Edgbaston Test that not only led India to a historic victory but also etched his name in golden letters. In the second match of the five-match Test series, India defeated England by 336 runs, and Akash Deep's contribution was decisive in this win.
Fast bowler Akash Deep took a total of 10 wickets across both innings and earned the honor of becoming the second Indian bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test match in England. Before him, this achievement was accomplished by Chetan Sharma in 1986, who claimed 10 wickets on the same Birmingham ground.
Splendid Start in the First Innings
In the first innings on the Edgbaston pitch, Akash Deep troubled the English batsmen with his consistent line and length. He conceded 88 runs in 24 overs while taking four crucial wickets. His sharp short balls and seam movement didn't allow England's top order to settle. As a result, England was bowled out for 407 runs in the first innings, and India gained a significant lead of 180 runs, which played a major role in changing the course of the match.
Devastation in the Second Innings
Akash Deep's brilliance was even more dangerous in the second innings. In a rain-affected session on the fifth day, he took six wickets for 99 runs in 27 overs, and extinguished England's remaining hopes. The special thing was that he deceived set batsmen like Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith with his pace and swing. Along with this, he became the Indian to take 10 wickets in England after 39 years, which can be called a historic moment for Indian cricket.
Fifth Indian to take four or more wickets in both innings in England
Not only 10 wickets, but Akash Deep achieved another special feat. He also became the fifth Indian bowler to take four or more wickets in both innings of a Test match in England. Before him, Chetan Sharma (1986), Zaheer Khan (2007), Jasprit Bumrah (2021), and Mohammed Siraj (2021) had achieved this.
Chetan Sharma took four wickets in the first innings and six wickets in the second innings of the Birmingham Test in 1986. Zaheer Khan took four and five wickets respectively in both innings of the Lord's Test in 2007. Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets in the first innings and nine wickets in the second innings in Birmingham in 2021, while Siraj took four wickets in the first innings and four wickets in the second innings at Lord's the same year.
Akash Proved to be a Boon for Team India
This performance by Akash Deep was not just an individual record, but also the basis for India's comeback in the series. His bowling brought England's b batting lineup to its knees. His spells proved that from the new ball to reverse swing, Akash Deep has everything that a reliable Test bowler should have.
Captain Shubman Gill also praised Akash Deep in the post-match press conference, saying, "The way Akash controlled his bowling under pressure and got us wickets at crucial moments was incredible. His role in boosting the team's morale was the most important."
