Bengal Pacer Akash Deep Earns Maiden India Test Call-Up; Mohammed Siraj Returns for England Series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the updated squad for Team India‘s upcoming three Tests against England, introducing Bengal pacer Akash Deep in the line-up. This marks a significant milestone for the 27-year-old cricketer, earning his maiden call-up to the prestigious Test team. Akash Deep will be replacing Avesh Khan for the remainder of the series.

Born on December 15, 1996, in the town of Dehri, Bihar, Akash Deep’s cricket journey took a turn when he moved to Bengal, encouraged by his uncle, to pursue his passion for the sport. The young pacer’s dedication and standout performances for India A against England Lions have not gone unnoticed by the selectors, leading to his well-deserved elevation to the senior team. With an impressive record of 103 wickets in 29 first-class matches, including successful stints in the Ranji Trophy, Akash Deep has established himself as a skillful bowler to watch.

In the upcoming Test matches against England, it is anticipated that Akash Deep may not debut immediately, with the experienced Jasprit Bumrah set to lead the pace attack. Mohammed Siraj, who missed the second Test due to work-load management, is back in the squad and likely to fill in for Mukesh Kumar in the playing XI, ensuring a strong pace bowling lineup for India. This decision leaves Avesh Khan free to participate in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

The Madhya Pradesh paceman, however, has not secured a spot in the Test squad for the remaining matches against England. There was a significant confusion as the state team refrained from selecting Avesh Khan for the ongoing match against Baroda, anticipating his inclusion in the Indian squad. Madhya Pradesh is currently competing in the Elite Group D and has one match left against Jammu & Kashmir before the final stages of the tournament.

Akash Deep’s call-up and Mohammed Siraj’s return provide a fresh impetus to Team India’s fast-bowling department as they gear up to face off against England in the upcoming Test series, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in the cricketing world.