Akash Deep’s Career-Best Performance Leads India to Victory

Birmingham: In a remarkable display of skill, Akash Deep’s exceptional bowling performance propelled India to a memorable triumph in the second Test match at Edgbaston. This victory allowed them to level the series against England in a dominant manner.

The pace bowler achieved career-best numbers of 6 for 99 in the second innings, culminating in a total of 10 for 187 in the match. This feat marks his best performance in Test cricket and guided India to a resounding 336-run victory, which stands as their largest away Test win in terms of run margin.

Notably, this victory also signifies India’s first Test win at Edgbaston, making them the first Asian team to achieve this milestone at this particular venue.

This achievement occurred despite a 100-minute rain delay on the final day and a resilient 88-run innings from England’s Jamie Smith, who briefly posed a threat to extend the game.

Match Highlights

India commenced Day 5 with Akash and Prasidh Krishna leading the attack. Akash swiftly made an impact by dismissing Ollie Pope, who played the ball onto his stumps. He consistently challenged the batsmen, eventually trapping Harry Brook LBW with a sharp in-swinging delivery.

While Ben Stokes and Smith attempted to stabilize the innings with a fifty-run partnership, India maintained consistent pressure. The introduction of Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja further troubled the English batsmen, with Jadeja causing difficulties for Stokes. Stokes eventually fell LBW to Jadeja just before lunch.

During the second session, India continued to apply pressure. Jadeja’s tight bowling kept the batsmen in check, while Smith reached his half-century. Prasidh dismissed Woakes with a well-directed short delivery, and Smith survived an LBW appeal via DRS.

Akash then made a significant breakthrough by dismissing Smith with a short ball caught in the deep, securing his first five-wicket haul in the process.

Jadeja then claimed the wicket of Josh Tongue, with Siraj taking a sharp catch at short midwicket. Despite Shoaib Bashir’s brief resistance, Akash sealed the victory by dismissing Brydon Carse, caught by Shubman Gill, completing his ten-wicket match haul and wrapping up England’s innings.

India’s First Innings

Earlier in the match, India’s batting was spearheaded by captain Shubman Gill, who scored a magnificent 269. Gill formed significant partnerships of 203 with Jadeja and 144 with Washington Sundar, propelling India to a substantial 587 in the first innings after they were asked to bat.

England’s Response

England responded with a strong 303-run partnership between Jamie Smith and Harry Brook, recovering from an initial setback at 84 for 5. They posted a total of 407, with Siraj claiming 6 for 70 and Akash taking 4 for 88.

India Sets a Dominating Target

India further solidified their dominance in the second innings, with Gill scoring another century (161) to help set a formidable target of 608, eventually declaring at 427 for 6.

Despite some debate over the timing of the declaration, India’s bowlers ensured that their strategy paid off. Three late wickets on Day 4 and Akash Deep’s outstanding performance on Day 5 secured a momentous victory for India at a ground where they had never previously won.