Akash Deep has opened up on being compared to India senior pacer Mohammed Shami after his stunning debut performance against England on day one of the Ranchi Test.
Akash picked up three wickets on the day as he ran through the top order of the visitors. Fans were particularly impressed by the pacer and were also able to see that he had a lot of similarities with Shami.
Akash attacked the stumps from the get-go and had a similar wrist position to Shami while bowling. The Bengal pacer was asked about this during the press conference after day one’s play.
IND vs ENG 4th Test day one: Report
The debutant said that he didn’t know much about cricket in his childhood as he played tennis cricket till 2007. Akash said that from 2016, ever since he left his home chasing his cricket dream, he started following Shami closely along with South African pacer Kagiso Rabada.
“In my childhood, I didn’t know about cricket. From where I come, there is no cricket. I was playing tennis cricket till 2007. In 2016, when I left from home, I started following Shami bhai. I watch him and Rabada closely,” said Akash.
How did Akash Deep perform on his debut?
India pacer Akash Deep had an eventful Test debut against England, being denied a dream first dismissal before going in to claim three wickets at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
Despite suffering an early setback on his Test debut, Akash came roaring back in the 10th over to provide the opening breakthrough for the hosts. He forced an edge from opener Ben Duckett, which was easily held on by wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel as England lost their first wicket in Ranchi.
The 27-year-old was not done there. A ball later, he caught England vice-captain Ollie Pope LBW to turn the game’s tide firmly in India’s favour.
Akash would finally have the wicket of Crawley as he delivered a similar delivery that beat the opener and clipped the bails to reduce England to 3 for 58.
Shami is currently out injured, and he is expected to miss the IPL 2024 season, according to reports.
