Akash Deep, is poised to mark his maiden Test appearance during the highly anticipated fourth Test clash against England in Ranchi. The 27-year-old is expected to step in for the rested Jasprit Bumrah, who has been granted a break to manage his workload effectively.

Team India Banks on Akash’s Stellar ‘A’ Performance Amidst Injury Woes

Akash Deep, along with fellow Bengal seamer Mukesh Kumar, stands as the primary pace options to complement the fiery Mohammed Siraj in the upcoming Test battle. While Mukesh presents a viable alternative, recent reports suggest that the selectors have been thoroughly impressed by Akash Deep’s exceptional bowling prowess showcased during India ‘A’s recent tour against England Lions.

During the shadow tour, Akash Deep left a lasting impression by scalping an impressive tally of 11 wickets across two matches. Meanwhile, Mukesh’s prior Test outing in Vishakapatnam, where he replaced Siraj, failed to meet expectations, with the Bengal bowler struggling to make an impact, claiming just one wicket in 12 overs.

With Bumrah resting and Mohammed Shami still on the road to recovery from injury, Team India’s management has turned to the domestic talent pool, entrusting Akash Deep to fill the void.

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Akash Deep Emerges as Front-Runner for Test Debut

Boasting an impressive track record in first-class cricket, Akash Deep has featured in 30 matches, clinching 104 wickets at an impressive average of 23.58, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. The ongoing Test series has witnessed the emergence of several debutants amid India’s injury woes, with the likes of Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, and Dhruv Jurel making their mark. As the series progresses, the inclusion of fresh faces such as Akash Deep and Devdutt Padikkal promises to add further intrigue to the contest.

With India currently holding a 2-1 lead in the series, all eyes will be on Akash Deep as he aims to make a memorable debut and help steer the team towards an unassailable lead when the fourth Test commences on Friday, February 23rd.