Movement on field pays off for Akash Deep's Test call-up
Seam bowling all-rounder Akash Deep has earned a place in India's squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, riding on an impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy match last week.
With senior pacer Mohammad Shami still recovering from an injury, the spot was up for grabs. And Akash made the most of the opportunity, picking up nine wickets overall across the two innings for India A against India B.
The 27-year-old troubled the opposition batters with his ability to generate both movement in the air as well as off the pitch. His figures of 4/60 and 5/56 helped put India A in a strong position. He also chipped in with a gritty 43 runs towards the end, though it wasn't enough to take his team over the line.
Akash's skills have improved immensely over time. He learnt angular run-up techniques from Shami and developed an incoming delivery to trouble left-handers. One such delivery dismissed Washington Sundar with a plan to bowl from over the wicket. His ability to land the ball on the seam too aided his cause on a pitch conducive for seam bowling.
What stood out was his performance despite not having played first-class cricket in months. Through consistent practice at the National Cricket Academy, Akash worked on regaining full match intensity. His nine-wicket match haul against a quality India B lineup has helped him seal a place for the all-important Tests.
With the key performers from domestic cricket given chances ahead of an important international home season, Akash Deep's emergence bodes well for team India's bowling resources. His movement-based bowling will look to complement the other pacers and aid India's defense of the Bangladesh crown.
