In a thrilling start to the fourth Test between India and England in Ranchi, debutant Akash Deep made an impressive mark by claiming three crucial wickets in the morning session. His stellar performance tilted the scales in India’s favor as England struggled to 112/5 by the lunch break, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
Early Setbacks for England
England’s decision to bat first after winning the toss seemed promising initially, but Akash Deep, along with spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, quickly put them on the back foot. Despite a setback with a no-ball, Akash Deep showed resilience to make significant contributions on his Test debut.
Akash Deep’s 3 Wickets
The 27-year-old Bengal pacer announced himself by dismantling Zak Crawley’s stumps, only to have his joy cut short due to a no-ball. However, he bounced back admirably, dismissing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in quick succession, leaving England in trouble early on.
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Duckett fell prey to Akash Deep’s skillful outswinger, while Pope was trapped lbw for a duck. Crawley, who survived an earlier scare, couldn’t escape Akash Deep’s persistence and fell victim to a deceptive delivery.
With figures of 3 wickets for 24 runs in his opening spell, Akash Deep’s brilliance led India’s bowling attack, putting England under pressure from the outset. His performance, coupled with smart captaincy from Rohit Sharma, including a successful DRS review, further boosted India’s momentum.
As the players headed for lunch, England found themselves in a precarious position, with India firmly in control. With the pitch offering assistance to bowlers, England faces an uphill task to post a competitive total.
Akash Deep’s impressive debut not only showcased his talent but also highlighted India’s depth in bowling resources. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on India’s bowlers to maintain pressure, while England will seek to stage a comeback.
Overall, Akash Deep’s performance added excitement to the game, and fans eagerly await further contributions from the promising youngster.
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