With doubts over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Akash Deep as a strong replacement. India may rest Bumrah to manage his workload over the five-match series. Pathan believes Akash Deep’s bowling style could suit English conditions well. “If Bumrah is not there, then who should come into the side in his place? Akash Deep, from what’s been seen in the nets, seems to be getting into his rhythm. I feel that he is the Shami mould type of bowler,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
In the first Test at Headingley, India lost by five wickets. Despite hundreds from Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, England chased down a big target of 371 runs. Among bowlers, Bumrah was the only Indian bowler who looked in control and unsurprisingly claimed the joint-most wickets for the visitors in the first Test. His supporting cast, however, struggled to apply pressure on England’s batters. Pathan explained that Akash Deep could offer more control because of his focus on seam and swing. “His straight seam deliveries can trouble the England batters, especially when it comes to late movement. If you are going aggressive, this could be a problem. We will come to Arshdeep, but I think if Bumrah is not playing, then it should be Akash Deep who should come in his place,” he added.
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Meanwhile, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said the team is confident of doing well even if Bumrah is rested. “It is, but we also feel we can go 1-1 or keep the score at 1-0 without Jasprit. Again, that’s putting the eggs in the back end of the series. We’re going to need him at some stage as well. You’ve got to decide when you’re going to play your strongest suit,” ten Doeschate said. A final decision on Bumrah’s selection is expected to be made on the day of the match.
