Indian pacer Akash Deep defied a flat Edgbaston pitch, using his unique brand of “anushaasan” (discipline) to rip through England’s top order with a stunning five-wicket haul.
A Surprise Performance at Edgbaston
Coming from the small village of Dehri in Bihar, Akash Deep has a refreshing, down-to-earth charm. He openly admitted he was “khush” (happy) to bowl in England, expecting green, seaming pitches. However, he felt “dhoka” (cheated) when he arrived to find a flat, unhelpful track.
Despite the unresponsive conditions, Akash Deep made the most of his opportunity. In the second innings of the Edgbaston Test, he delivered a sensational performance, taking five wickets that dismantled England’s batting lineup.
Unraveling England’s Top Order
On the fifth day morning, Akash Deep quickly dismissed overnight batsmen Harry Brook and Ollie Pope. He then snared Jamie Smith, England’s last recognized batsman, with a clever slow-bouncer.
His early scalps earned him a rare record: he became the first bowler since West Indian legend Michael Holding to take four of England’s top five batsmen without any assistance from fielders. Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Pope were all bowled, while Brook fell leg before wicket (LBW).
The Deadly ‘Nip-Backer’ in Action
The most talked-about delivery was his “nip-backer” that dismissed Harry Brook. Akash Deep maintained incredible “anushaasan,” consistently pitching the ball in a tight corridor outside off-stump.
After two deliveries that moved away, he unleashed his big nip-backer, travelling at over 140 kph. The ball sharply jagged back, hitting Brook on the inner thigh. The English batsman knew he was out, walking off before the DRS confirmation.
From Village Dreams to International Stage
Akash Deep’s journey is a testament to his self-made spirit. He hid his cricketing aspirations from his school teacher, even lying about going to Kolkata for work, all to train and refine his bowling skills.
His dedication and hard work have brought him to this stage. He views every match not as pressure, but as an “opportunity” and “responsibility”—a mindset forged from travelling 550 kilometers from his village just to get a “mauka” (chance) in cricket.
Coaching Insights and Future Hopes
England captain Michael Vaughan, watching from the commentary box, expressed concern, wondering aloud, “Where was this guy?” He suggested Akash Deep could be a handful at Lord’s, given its famous slope that aids bowlers.
Interestingly, Akash Deep had a niggle before the series. However, he received an “all clear” during the first Test. He has also been seen having extensive conversations with coaches, including Gautam Gambhir, who, according to Akash Deep, helped him realize his own untapped potential. Indeed, at Edgbaston, on a pitch that offered little, he showed everyone exactly what he could do.
- Akash Deep took a five-wicket haul on a flat Edgbaston pitch.
- He set a rare record, dismissing four of England’s top five batsmen without field assistance.
- His signature “nip-backer” delivery proved highly effective.
- He views matches as opportunities, a reflection of his self-made journey from rural Bihar.
- Pundits believe he could be even more dangerous at Lord’s due to the ground’s slope.
With the Lord’s Test approaching, Akash Deep, who once felt “cheated” by the pitches, might now be “khush” with the conditions. His disciplined approach and unique skills have certainly put England on notice.
