Bengal pacer Akash Deep had a dream debut on Day 1 of the IND vs ENG 4th Test at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday. The fast bowler picked up three crucial wickets to put the visitors on the back foot in the first session of the opening day.
Akash Deep picked England’s top three -Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope in quick succession to put India’s noses ahead at lunch.
After the day’s play, Akash Deep said he followed the advice of his senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who told him to adjust his length slightly in international cricket.
” I used to take every game as my last game and tried my best. [Jasprit] Bumrah bhai advised me to drag the length back slightly (in international cricket), that’s exactly what I did”, Akash Deep said on JioCinema.
Notably, while Akash Deep’s maiden Test wicket was Ben Duckett, it could have been Zak Crawley who survived despite getting bowled due to no-ball.
“I felt bad (on the no-ball), I was just hoping that the team doesn’t lose because of that. There was a bit of help early on, but the ball became soft and the wicket was slow as well. We just tried to be as tight as possible and bowl in the right areas”, Akash Deep further added.
When asked if he was nervous before the game, the pacer said, “I wasn’t nervous, had spoken with my coaches, so I wasn’t tense ahead of the game. I don’t know how it happened.”
Joe Root’s ton puts England in control
England recovered remarkably after first session collapse where they lost 5 wickets courtesy of Joe Root’s century. The visitors post 302 for 7 at stumps, with Joe Root scoring an unbeaten 106.
