It was absolute carnage at the start of the final day’s play in the second Test at Birmingham, as Akash Deep came out firing. Brought into the side as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement, the pacer struck early to remove Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in a sensational opening spell, handing India vital momentum in their push for a series-levelling win.
India entered Day 5 under pressure, with at least 90 minutes lost to rain. But Akash Deep appeared unfazed, exploiting the overcast skies and a responsive Edgbaston pitch, his early breakthroughs pushed England firmly onto the back foot in what had been expected to be a tense finish.
Eyebrows had been raised when India declared after setting England a towering 608-run target. Critics questioned whether they had allowed enough time for their bowlers, especially on a surface that had flattened out by Day 4. But India’s intent was unmistakable late on Saturday, when Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj combined to claim three wickets before stumps.
On Sunday morning, the 27-year-old struck almost immediately. Pope was undone by extra bounce, getting an inside edge that crashed into the stumps — a dream start for the visitors. His next victim was Brook, deceived by a delivery that jagged in from a wide line. The ball thudded into Brook’s pads, and the umpire had little hesitation in raising the finger.
CASTLED! Akash Deep strikes early!
A crucial breakthrough for #TeamIndia as #OlliePope chops it on and England lose their 4th, just what India needed kyunki ! #ENGvIND 2nd TEST, Day 5 | LIVE NOW on pic.twitter.com/fjLFiwe9Fq— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 6, 2025
One wicket leads to another!
Akash Deep is on as he traps #HarryBrook in front & half of the English side is back in the hut!
1-1 on the cards? ! #ENGvIND 2nd TEST, Day 5 | LIVE NOW on #JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/FdMUwYxChf— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 6, 2025
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan was quick to praise Akash Deep, hailing him as a future fan favourite. “Akash Deep is fast becoming fans’ favourite. Quality hai boss,” Irfan posted.
Deep Dasgupta echoed the sentiment, pointing to the pacer’s domestic pedigree. “Not surprised to see Akash Deep bowl the way he has. He’s in the same mould as Shami, with the experience of bowling tons of overs in first-class cricket,” he said.
Fans were equally thrilled. One noted the uncanny similarity between Akash’s spell and Umesh Yadav’s fiery burst against Australia during a home series. Another lauded the young quick’s skill, simply stating: “Skill beats everything.”
A particularly amused fan summed it up with a witty take on his control and movement: “That seam movement from Akash Deep was almost Mohammed Shamilicious.”
As the day progresses, India will hope to keep their foot on the pedal and wrap up a famous win. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line, Akash Deep’s spell might well have set the tone for a dramatic and defining victory.
– Ends