Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has advised India to make smart use of Akash Deep on Day 5 of the second Test at Edgbaston. After declaring their second innings at 427/6, India set England a huge target of 608 runs. India bowled 16 overs before stumps on Day 4 and made early inroads, leaving England at 72/3.
Akash Deep stood out with the ball, claiming the key wickets of Ben Duckett and Joe Root. Speaking on Sky Sports, Broad praised Deep’s impressive spell and noted that India have thoroughly dominated England in the second Test.
“When surfaces do dry up a little the new ball can nip off the cracks. That was just an outstanding spell from Akash Deep, bringing the stumps into play. I think he’s slightly shorter than Carse and Tongue so he can bowl a slight different length to hit the stumps.”
“I think India, we have to be honest, have out bowled England in this Test match and out batted them, that’s why they are 536 runs ahead with a whole day to go. They have been superb and I must admit I thought after that day five at Headingley, this series could be gone. How do you pick yourself up, but they’ve done it superbly,” he said. (0:42)
Broad recommended that India should bowl the pacer early on Day 5 and keep him fresh for when the second new ball becomes available.
“With the second new ball yesterday with Harry Brook, through the gate and off-stump out of the ground, he’s a real threat (Deep). India have to use him wisely. He’s bowled wicket-taking balls. Start with him when the ball is hard and still has newness to it and then maybe if he needs a rest until the next new ball comes that’s fine,” he said. (1:44)
Stuart Broad Applauds Shubman Gill’s Impressive Performances
In the same discussion, Stuart Broad showered praise on Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain. The 25-year-old has been outstanding in the series, scoring 585 runs across four innings. Broad noted that Gill doesn’t appear to have any clear weaknesses in his game.
“Gill has been incredible at No. 4. As a bowler, I look for technical flaws, but he hasn’t shown any. He’s played with style and great responsibility under pressure as captain. He truly deserves all the praise, the future of Indian batting looks very bright,” said Broad.
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