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Akash Deep reveals surprise after getting called-up for Team India duties for final three Tests vs England
Bengal pacer Akash Deep has been included in the Indian team for the final three Tests vs England. The 26-year-old expressed surprise after getting picked and stated he wasn’t expecting it. Akash Deep has replaced Avesh Khan who has gone back to domestic cricket. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar are the three lead pacers.
Siraj had played the first Test in Hyderabad with Mukesh playing in Vizag. Both bowlers failed to impress and provide support to Jasprit Bumrah. While Akash Deep may not make his Test debut in Rajkot, the call-up is a huge pat on his back. Once again the selectors have proved that domestic performances will be rewarded.
Akash Deep breaks his silence after India call up –
Saturday 10th February will go down as a huge day for Akash Deep and his family. The 26-year-old got his first call-up to the Indian test squad for the final three Tests. Akash Deep will join the footsteps of Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar in the Indian team.
Speaking to the media after his call-up, Akash Deep said “I was hopeful that in the near future I might get a Test call-up if I keep performing but I didn’t expect that it would come by third match itself”
The pacer can generate decent speeds and also bowl reverse swing. During the recent India A versus England Lions series, Akash Deep picked 13 wickets from three games. His best of 4/46 came during the second game of the series played in Ahmedabad.
On many occasions, Akash Deep has been used as a net bowler for the Indian team home and away. Speaking about this bowling strength, here is what Akash Deep said “Inswing is my stock delivery but at this level, you need to have outswing and reverse swing and more importantly need to control the swing”
The 26-year-old also said “I was in India ODI squad in South Africa and realised more than skill, at this level, it is more about the mental strength of being able to execute plans under pressure”
It is a huge moment for Bengal cricket as two-seamers will be part of the Indian. Mukesh Kumar will be joined by his teammate Akash Deep who ended the chat by saying “This is a matter of pride that myself and Mukesh (Kumar) bhai will be in the Indian dressing room together in a Test team. Bengal is our state and it has given us everything. This national call-up is my way of showing my gratitude to Bengal”