Explained: Why Did Rohit Sharma Pick Akash Deep Over Harshit Rana For 3rd Test?

Anurag Dasgupta

Rohit Sharma and Akash Deep [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.Com] Rohit Sharma and Akash Deep [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.Com]

The India Vs Australia, 3rd Test at the Gabba, Brisbane has commenced, but the match was marred with rain as the weather looks gloomy for the entire day. Just 5.3 overs were being bowled before both the sides rushed back to the dugout.

Rohit Sharma won the toss and he had no hesitation in bowling first on a cloudy morning. Interestingly, he made two changes to his side, with R Ashwin and Harshit Rana getting replaced by Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep. Eyebrows were raised when Rana, who bowled well at Perth was excluded from the playing XI, but here's the reason why Akash Deep was picked up by Rohit.

3) Rana's erratic bowling in Adelaide led to Akash Deep's inclusion

While Harshit Rana did impress in the Perth Test match, he couldn't continue the momentum in the Adelaide Test and was taken to the cleaners by Travis Head. The Aussie batter scored a 141-ball 140 and was severe on Rana as the Indian pacer conceded at almost 5.5 runs per over.

This prompted Rohit Sharma to include Akash Deep in the side as the Bengal seamer has better control over his lines and lengths and will be useful on this surface.

2) Akash Deep rewarded for his stellar home season with India

Akash Deep made his India debut during the Test series Vs England and immediately made a name for himself. He looked threatening and picked up 3 wickets in the only game he played against them.

He then continued the domination against Bangladesh, picking up 5 wickets in the two matches. The Bengal pacer had a decent outing against the Kiwis at home, and as a result, Rohit decided to give him his away Test debut on a spicy Gabba wicket.

1) Akash Deep's ability to hit corridor of uncertainty

One of Akash Deep's biggest strength is to consistently trouble the batter just outside the off. He has impeccable control over his lines and lengths and unlike Harshit Rana, he can bowl at the same line for several overs.

This creates a doubt in the batters' mind, as he gets confused whether the ball will nip away or will it seam back in. Harshit had that extra pace to trouble the batter, but due to his erratic lines and lengths, the batters easily used to tackle him. Akash Deep won't give that chance to any of the Aussie batters.