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Key Points

Irfan Pathan has suggested Akash Deep as the ideal replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test against England. He believes Akash Deep’s seam and swing abilities could trouble England’s batters. India’s bowling attack struggled in the first Test without Bumrah’s impact. The team management is weighing Bumrah’s workload ahead of the match.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan Picks Akash Deep as Bumrah Replacement for England Test

  • Irfan Pathan supports Akash Deep for Bumrah’s spot in England Test
  • Akash Deep’s seam and swing style suits English conditions
  • India’s bowling struggled without Bumrah in the first Test
  • Assistant coach hints at Bumrah’s workload management strategy
2 min read

Irfan Pathan backs Akash Deep as Bumrah's replacement for second Test against England

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan backs Akash Deep to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test against England, citing his seam and swing skills.

Irfan Pathan backs Akash Deep as Bumrah's replacement for second Test against England
"If Bumrah is not playing, then it should be Akash Deep who should come in his place. - Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, July 1

As uncertainty looms over Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the second Test against England at Edgbaston, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind Akash Deep as the ideal replacement.

With India keen on managing Bumrah’s workload across the five-match series, Pathan believes Akash Deep’s style could prove effective in English conditions.

“If Bumrah is not there, then who should come into the side in his place? Akash Deep, from what's been seen in the nets, seems to be getting into his rhythm. I feel that he is the Shami mould type of bowler,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

India’s bowlers, barring Bumrah, struggled in the first Test at Headingley, where England chased down 371 to win by five wickets despite twin centuries from Rishabh Pant and first-innings hundreds from Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Pathan further highlighted why Akash Deep could make a difference, pointing to his focus on seam and swing rather than hitting the deck like Mohammed Siraj or Prasidh Krishna.

“His straight seam deliveries can trouble the England batters, especially when it comes to late movement. If you are going aggressive, this could be a problem. We will come to Arshdeep, but I think if Bumrah is not playing, then it should be Akash Deep who should come in his place,” he added.

Meanwhile, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate echoed the management’s confidence that the team can hold their own even if Bumrah is rested.

“It is, but we also feel we can go 1-1 or keep the score at 1-0 without Jasprit. Again, that's putting the eggs in the back end of the series. We're going to need him at some stage as well. You've got to decide when you're going to play your strongest suit,” ten Doeschate said, hinting that the decision on Bumrah’s inclusion would be taken on match day.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Shreya B
Why are we always looking for Bumrah replacements? Our bench strength needs to step up consistently. Akash Deep is talented but let's not put too much pressure on him. The entire bowling unit needs to perform, not just one player.
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Aman W
I disagree with Pathan here. Arshdeep Singh has more international experience and better death bowling skills. England's middle order can be dangerous in the latter stages. We need someone who can handle pressure situations.
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Priyanka N
The real issue is our over-reliance on Bumrah. Other bowlers need to take responsibility. Remember when we had Zaheer, Srinath, Kumble all performing together? That's what we need now. Akash Deep might be good, but the entire attack needs to fire 🔥
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Karan T
As a Bengaluru fan, I've watched Akash Deep in Ranji Trophy. The guy has serious skills! His ability to move the ball both ways could trouble England batsmen. But test cricket is different - hope he's mentally prepared for the big stage if selected.
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Nikhil C
The management needs to be careful with Bumrah's workload. We can't afford another injury to him before the World Cup. If resting him for one test means he's fit for more important matches, I'm all for it. Akash Deep deserves a chance!

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