Akash Deep, the Indian pacer who impressed everyone with his performance in the ongoing second Test against England at Edgbaston, is uncertain about his place in the playing XI for the third Test at Lord's. The third Test match is scheduled to begin on July 10, 2025.
Akash Deep got the opportunity to play in the second Test after Jasprit Bumrah was rested to manage his workload. Akash Deep made a strong statement by taking four crucial wickets in England's first innings. He caused trouble with the new ball, dismissing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks on the second day. On Day 3, Akash dismissed Harry Brook (158), breaking the 303-run partnership between Brook and Jamie Smith (184*). He then dismissed Chris Woakes for 5 runs, finishing with figures of 4/88.
Despite his impressive performance, Akash Deep is unsure if he will play at Lord's, with Bumrah expected to return to the team.
"We have only two days for this Test match, and this match is very important for us to win. So, I am not thinking about the third match at all," Akash told reporters after the day's play. "I believe that I have to put my energy in these two days. After that, I will consider it. The team will decide whether I will play or not. No, not at all. I don't know if I'll play. The team makes this decision. We get to know one day before the game".
Akash Deep made his debut against England in a home Test series and has had limited opportunities since then. He played two Tests against Australia, twice against New Zealand, and both games against Bangladesh.
Despite the uncertainty, Akash Deep remains focused and ready to take any opportunity that comes his way. "I don't think like that. I feel that when the team needs me, I have to prepare for that. I have to be ready. I don't think like that," he said.
While ideally Prasidh Krishna would make way for Bumrah, if he manages to create some magic in England's second innings, then the decision might become interesting. Irrespective of whether he plays or not, Akash Deep remains focused on the present.
