Akash Deep shone brightly on Day 5 of the second Test against England in Birmingham, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The 28-year-old from Dehri, Bihar, displayed disciplined lengths and skillful seam movement, earning the rewards for his efforts.
Having already made an impact on Day 4 by picking up two wickets, Akash Deep continued his impressive performance by dismissing Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in quick succession on the final day. He then completed his five-wicket haul by taking the prized wicket of Jamie Smith, who was well-set on 88. Smith was caught at deep square leg.
Akash Deep's achievement is even more remarkable considering he was playing in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He stepped up and delivered a match-winning performance, demonstrating his potential and cementing his place in the Indian team.
His figures rattled England's batting lineup, and his performance in the second innings was particularly impressive. Notably, with the dismissal of Harry Brook, Akash Deep became the first bowler to dismiss four of England's top five batsmen in a Test innings since Michael Holding achieved the feat in 1976. This accomplishment places him in the company of legends and highlights the significance of his achievement.
Akash Deep's journey to this point has been filled with challenges. Despite consistently performing well since his debut for India last year, he has often found himself on the sidelines due to the selection process and the presence of more established players. In the pecking order, he has been behind Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, and sometimes even Prasidh Krishna. This made opportunities limited, with chances only arising when senior players were rested or given a break.
This performance could change things for Akash Deep. His ability to seize the opportunity and deliver a match-winning performance demonstrates his readiness to take on greater responsibility within the team.
