Fast bowler Akash Deep delivered a match-winning 10-wicket haul for India against England, emotionally dedicating his performance to his sister battling cancer.
Akash Deep’s Heroic Spell
Akash Deep, making his Test debut and stepping in for the rested Jasprit Bumrah, proved instrumental in India’s historic victory at Edgbaston. He showcased remarkable form, securing figures of 4/88 in the first innings and an impressive 6/99 in the second, completing a memorable 10-wicket haul.
His dominant bowling performance was key to India’s first-ever Test win at this venue, repaying the faith shown in him by captain Shubman Gill and mentor Gautam Gambhir.
A Deeply Personal Dedication
Following his sensational performance on Day 5, where he picked up four crucial wickets, Akash Deep shared a heartfelt dedication. He revealed that his elder sister has been suffering from cancer for the past two months, though she is now stable.
He expressed his immense desire to see a smile on her face, dedicating the entire match to her resilience and mental strength. “This performance is for you. Whenever I picked the ball, only thoughts of my sister crossed my mind. I am with you. I want to see happiness on your face; we are all together with you,” he shared emotionally with Star Sports, highlighting the personal motivation behind his incredible feat.
Crucial Wickets at Key Moments
Deep’s impact was immediate and decisive on Day 5. He struck early, dismissing Ollie Pope on 24 off 50, then followed up by removing Harry Brook in his very next over, leaving England gasping for breath at 83/5.
Later in the second session, he completed his five-wicket haul by getting Jamie Smith out with a well-timed slow short ball. His sixth wicket, Brydon Carse, who holed out to Shubman Gill at cover, sealed the match for India, completing his memorable 10-wicket haul and a match-winning performance.
India’s Historic Edgbaston Win
India successfully chased down a massive target of 608, bowling England out for 271 in their second innings. This victory marks India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston in their ninth attempt since first playing there in July 1967.
The best result before this was a draw in 1986 under Kapil Dev. Captain Shubman Gill also played a pivotal role in this historic match, scoring a remarkable 269 in the first innings and 161 in the second, earning him the Player of the Match award and solidifying his place as the first captain to lead India to a Test victory at this ground.
- Akash Deep took a total of 10 wickets in the match (4/88 and 6/99).
- He dedicated his match-winning performance to his elder sister, who is battling cancer.
- This marks India’s first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston in their history.
- Shubman Gill, with a double century and a century, was named Player of the Match.
This significant win, fueled by both individual brilliance and emotional dedication, will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone in Indian cricket history.
