Was Akash Deep’s 66 a Game-Changer for India?

London, Aug 2 (NationPress) Former wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik praised Akash Deep for his remarkable innings of 66 runs during the third day of the ongoing fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test. Karthik highlighted that this performance significantly strengthened the visitors' position.

During the morning session, with the pitch becoming more favorable, nightwatchman Akash was given a second chance after being dropped on 21. He capitalized on this opportunity to achieve his first Test half-century, striking 12 boundaries before being dismissed by Jamie Overton for 66. At this point, Akash had exceeded all expectations for a nightwatchman, forming a crucial 107-run partnership with Jaiswal.

“They couldn't have asked for more from him. The initial goal was simply to survive the previous night, which he accomplished with ease. However, he came out today, played superbly, and although he was given an early chance, that's the risk you take with a depleted bowling attack,” Karthik stated.

“When simple chances are missed, it only adds to the pressure. He also had some luck; several edges found gaps in the slip cordon. Overall, it’s a commendable performance. You can gauge a team's mentality by how their lower-order batsmen perform.”

“As Michael Atherton mentioned, having your number 9, 10, and 11 fighting it out, reminiscent of Siraj and Bumrah at Lord’s, can really uplift the team spirit.”

“Akash Deep's contribution as a batsman was evident from the applause he received upon returning to the pavilion. His efforts have placed India in a favorable position. Moving forward, the other batsmen are expected to build on this and guide India to a strong finish,” Karthik remarked on Sky Sports during the lunch break.

Karthik also opined that this series is among India’s finest tours of England in recent memory. “I believe it’s one of the best series India has had in England due to their competitiveness since day one.”

“Despite having lost 2-1, the number of sessions India has won highlights the challenge of defeating England on their home turf. This young team is poised to lead India in Test cricket for the next decade.”

Nasser Hussain, the former England captain, stressed that the hosts needed to adjust their bowling length in the first session. “They performed adequately in the morning. Ricky Ponting made a valid point that their lengths were decent, but they need to push for fuller deliveries as there’s still plenty of batting to come, especially with England down a bowler (Chris Woakes).”

When asked about when skipper Ollie Pope should utilize spinners, former England pacer Stuart Broad stated, “England's bowlers are feeling the strain, especially being one bowler short due to Woakes' injury, and the spinners have yet to play a significant role because the conditions favor seamers. Pope faces a difficult choice.”

“When should he bring in Bethell or Root to maintain an end while rotating his seamers from the other end? Right now, it’s all about India. The pressure is on England and Pope, leaving us uncertain about his next move.”