In the opening session of the fourth Test in Ranchi on Friday, February 23, Team India rookie Akash Deep demolished England’s top order.
The right-arm bowler dismissed Ben Duckett for his first wicket, giving India a breakthrough. Coming around the wicket in the tenth over of the innings, Akash Deep was able to get the ball to nip away from the left-handed batsman, resulting in an outside edge that Dhruv Jurel comfortably caught behind the stumps.
Just a few deliveries later, Akash Deep struck again, dismissing England vice-captain Ollie Pope. The right-handed hitter moved out of the crease but did not make contact with the bat, as the oncoming ball smacked the front pad. The on-field umpire denied Team India’s vociferous protestations, prompting Rohit Sharma to seek a review.
The DRS indicated all three reds, prompting cheers in the Indian camp. The wicket even elicited an unusual reaction from head coach Rahul Dravid. Take a look at Duckett and Pope’s dismissals by Akash Deep here:
Ollie Pope walked back in amazement as England’s very good start after winning the toss suffered its first blip.
The debutant continued his attack in his debut stint, breaking through Zak Crawley’s defence to castle him in the 12th over of the innings. The opening batter was the only one who was generating runs with his run-a-ball 42, but he was absolutely undone by a nip-backer.
Akash Deep had dismissed Zak Crawley off a no-ball earlier in the session as well
The debuting pacer struck in the fourth over of the game, sending Crawley’s off-stump cartwheeling with a stunning delivery. However, the early celebrations came to an end when the delivery was ruled a no-ball, giving Crawley another chance.
Have a look at the incident right here:
However, Crawley’s dismissal in the 12th over ultimately vindicated Akash Deep. There was a moment of confusion as umpires halted the proceedings to investigate the legality of the delivery that resulted in the dismissal. The delivery was completed, and Crawley returned to the hut.
England is now at 83-3 after 18 overs. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow are the visitors’ latest additions to the lineup.
