Akash Deep Wrecks England’s Top Order With Fiery Spell in Birmingham
Man, what a start to this Test match! India came out swinging—literally—and England’s batsmen looked like they’d rather be anywhere else. The star of the show? This guy Akash Deep, who just ripped through England’s openers like they were net practice. Two wickets in his first spell, and suddenly everyone’s asking, “Where did this guy come from?”
Why This Match Matters
Let me put it this way: these two teams aren’t just playing for pride. Every Test counts for the World Championship standings, and after last series’ heartbreak, India looks hungry. Birmingham’s pitch? Typical English conditions—cloudy, greenish, and seamers licking their lips. Everyone expected Kohli or Root to dominate, but cricket’s funny like that. The quiet guys steal the show sometimes.
That Akash Deep Spell—Bro, It Was Nasty
First ball to Crawley—just back of a length, slight movement, and boom. Edge straight to second slip. Duckett? Trapped plumb in front by one that jagged back in. The umpire’s finger went up so fast, I thought he’d been waiting all morning for that moment. And get this—his figures after 5 overs: 2 for 15. England’s scoring rate? Slower than Delhi traffic at rush hour.
India’s Total Domination (So Far)
Rohit and Gill set it up nicely with fifties—not flashy, just solid Test batting. Then the bowlers took over. Jadeja pulled off one of those catches that makes you rewind the highlight ten times. England limped to lunch at 45/2, and you could see the frustration on their faces. Stokes was chewing his gum like it owed him money.
England’s Batting? Yeah… About That
Here’s the thing—their top order usually saves them. Not today. Crawley’s been inconsistent, but Duckett’s usually reliable against pace. Both gone before you could finish your chai. Now Root and Bairstow have to rebuild… again. Sound familiar? Feels like every England innings these days starts with “Okay, time for damage control.”
Who Even Is Akash Deep?
27 years old. Plays for Bengal. Been grinding in domestic cricket for years—you know how it is in India, waiting your turn behind bigger names. But this guy? He’s got that thing—the ability to make the ball talk both ways. Some are calling him India’s next big pace hope. After today, can you blame them?
Moments That Stuck With Me
- Akash’s double-wicket over—pure fire.
- Jadeja’s catch. I mean, how? The man has magnets in his hands.
- Twitter losing its mind over India’s pace attack. Again.
What Happens Next?
Honestly? Depends on England’s middle order. If Root gets going, game on. But those clouds aren’t going anywhere, and India’s bowlers smell blood. Either we get a proper fightback, or this could get ugly fast.
Final Thoughts
India’s ahead, no question. Akash Deep might’ve just changed the whole vibe of this match. But cricket’s a weird sport—one session can flip everything. What do you think? Can England dig themselves out, or is this India’s to lose?
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Source: Navbharat Times – Default