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"Don't Know If I'll Play" Akash Deep's Place For Lord's Test Uncertain As Pacer Makes Bold Remark

Rajgeeta Yadav

Akash Deep picked up a four wicket haul [Source: AP Photos]Akash Deep picked up a four wicket haul [Source: AP Photos]

In the second Test match of the five-game series between India and England, a new hero emerged for India, Akash Deep. Stepping in for the rested Jasprit Bumrah, Akash took center stage and delivered a performance to remember. But despite his match-changing spell, the 28-year-old pacer isn’t sure whether he’ll be playing the next match at Lord’s.

Akash Deep got his opportunity in the playing XI as India’s lead pacer Bumrah was rested for workload management. And he didn’t waste a moment of it. On a pitch in Birmingham that didn’t offer much help to bowlers, Akash bowled with fire and precision. He picked up four key wickets in the first innings, shaking up England’s batting order.

Akash Removes Duckett, Pope, Brook And Woakes In Memorable Spell

He struck early by dismissing opener Ben Duckett for a duck and then stunned Ollie Pope on the very next ball, getting him out for a golden duck. These back-to-back blows put India on top early.

But his biggest moment came on Day 3, when he clean bowled Harry Brook, who had scored a brilliant 158 and was part of a massive 303-run partnership. Akash then sent Chris Woakes back to the pavilion, wrapping up his spell with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 88 runs.

After such a great performance, most would assume Akash would keep his place in the next Test at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground. But when reporters asked him about it, he gave a humble and honest answer.

"We have only two days for this Test match, and this match is very important for us to win. So, I am not thinking about the third match at all. I believe that I have to put my energy in these two days. After that, I will consider it. The team will decide whether I will play or not. No, not at all. I don't know if I'll play. The team makes this decision. We get to know one day before the game," Akash said. 

He added that his focus is only on the current match and helping the team win.

"I don't think like that. I feel that when the team needs me, I have to prepare for that. I have to be ready. I don't think like that. I don't get continuity. I prepare for the time I get. And whenever I get a chance, I try to play with that mindset."

At stumps on Day 3, India were 64 for 1, with KL Rahul unbeaten on 28 and Karun Nair on 7. The only wicket to fall was that of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made a quick 28 off 22 balls. India’s lead had grown to 244 runs, putting them in a strong position.