IND vs ENG: Akash Deep Strikes Two in Two, Stuns England Early at Edgbaston
Akash Deep shines on debut with double strike as India dominates after Shubman Gill's record-breaking 269
India’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test against England paved the way for Akash Deep’s into the playing XI, and the Bengal pacer wasted no time making his mark.
The 27-year-old seamer delivered a sensational double strike early in England’s first innings, removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope off successive deliveries to leave the hosts reeling at 25/3.
Bowling with pace and purpose, Akash Deep dismissed Duckett for a five-ball duck, forcing the opener to play at one that seamed away, resulting in a sharp edge to the slips. On the very next delivery, he produced another gem to Pope a fuller ball that drew the drive and took the edge brilliantly held by KL Rahul at second slip.
India had earlier piled on 587 runs, anchored by a historic 269 off 387 balls from Shubman Gill. The Indian captain became the first Indian skipper to score a double century in England, surpassing the previous best held by Sunil Gavaskar. Gill also etched his name into the record books as only the third Indian after Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid to score a double hundred in England. His 269 is now the highest individual Test score by an Indian on English soil.
Following Akash Deep’s burst, Mohammed Siraj struck to remove Zak Crawley for 19, further denting England’s top order. The hosts found themselves in deep trouble at 25/3, with pressure mounting on Joe Root and Harry Brook, who were at the crease at stumps.
