Replacement to accomplice to be: Akash Deep no longer Jasprit Bumrah’s shadow

Akash Deep was sensational against England in 2nd Test. (Photo: AP)

He made his India debut following the team’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test against England in Ranchi in February 2024. He struck thrice in the first hour, took 3/83, didn’t get to bowl in the second innings and was dropped, when the spearhead returned for the last match.

Once again, playing in Birmingham because Bumrah was not available due to workload management, Akash Deep has done enough to ensure that when the best bowler on earth comes back for the Lord’s Test starting on July 10, he won’t be going back to the bench. Instead, he will form a formidable trio with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj at a crucial stage of the five-match series.

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It was not Akash’s fault that he bowled only a handful of overs in the second innings and none at all on one more occasion in his first five Test matches. All were played in India. Fast bowlers were hardly used when the team bowled a second time. Then, when he got the conditions of his liking in Australia, Akash failed to make the most of the chances he got in two Tests.

From there to tearing England’s best apart in the second innings on a flat pitch to hand India a series-levelling win — the 28-year-old has been a fast mover. Pace may have dipped under 140, he has added guile and deception to his craft, while sharpening his skills. Plotting and delivering the dismissals of Joe Root and Harry Brook bore the signature of a highly accomplished practitioner.

Hailing from Bihar, Akash represents Bengal in domestic cricket. Mukesh Kumar, who has a similar background, Akash and Ishan Porel form a potent attack. Bengal reached the Ranji Trophy final twice in three seasons and lost in the semi-finals once between 2020 and 2023. Akash drew attention. Although Mukesh played for India before him, his partner seems to have gone a notch higher now.

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A few months after Akash’s debut Test, former Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary had said that he saw in him qualities like pace, heart for long spells and a desire to persevere for the team’s cause. Tiwary wanted to see variations. Else, he reckoned, in international cricket one becomes predictable.

Akash’s methods suggested he has worked on that. Root was goaded into playing a particular line following the natural, inward angle of the ball. It stunned the batter by straightening, and not travelling along the path he anticipated. Ball hitting top of off was a decisive moment. Brook was brutalised by one that came back sharply and kept moving in until thudding onto his back leg.

That Akash took 10 in the match at a most sought-after moment for the team makes the effort priceless. Down 0-1, best bowler not playing, rest of the bowling unit listless and criticised left, right and centre — match-winning belligerence under pressure carries additional marks. Consequently and out of nowhere, India become a three-pronged pace force from being a one-man army.