In a disappointing turn of events for Indian cricket fans, pace bowler Akash Deep has sustained a back injury and will not be able to participate in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Deep, who was part of the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, played a crucial supporting role alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Replacing Harshit Rana in the Brisbane Test, Deep managed to take five wickets in two matches, with his standout performance being 2/28. His absence in the upcoming SCG Test will undoubtedly be a significant blow to Team India. Here are three reasons why Akash Deep’s injury is a major setback for the team:
1. Akash Deep had Alex Carey’s number in the series, dismissing the Australian wicketkeeper in both the third and fourth Tests. With Carey being a key player for Australia, Deep’s absence will be felt when Carey steps out to bat in the SCG Test.
2. Deep’s contribution with the bat was also notable, as he played a crucial innings of 31 runs off 44 balls in the first innings of the Gabba Test. His lower-order batting skills were instrumental in helping India avoid a follow-on, a feat that might be challenging for his potential replacements, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, to replicate.
3. Despite only taking five wickets in the series, Akash Deep created numerous opportunities with the ball and built pressure on the opposition. His replacements, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, have struggled to replicate Deep’s impact, especially in terms of economy rates. This could pose a concern for India in the upcoming Test match.
Overall, Akash Deep’s absence will be sorely felt by Team India, as they look to bounce back in the series. His all-round contributions with both bat and ball will be missed, and it will be crucial for the team to find suitable replacements to fill the void left by the talented pace bowler.
