[WATCH]- Akash Deep Strikes Early To Remove Duckett For 25 In England’s Tough Chase

Team India’s new-ball bowler Akash Deep delivered a crucial breakthrough on Day 4 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston by removing Ben Duckett while defending a massive target of 608. The right-arm pacer bowled a sharp in-swinger that took the inside edge of the left-hander’s bat and shattered the middle stump.

The wicket came in the fifth over of England’s innings, which was also Akash Deep’s third. The over began with a dot ball, followed by Duckett punching a four through the point region. However, on the third delivery, the seamer struck back with a lethal in-swinging delivery that sent the stumps flying. You can watch the video here:

𝘼𝙠𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝘿𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 💪#AkashDeep makes an instant impact, claiming India’s 2nd wicket and putting England under serious pressure. 🤯#ENGvIND 👉 2nd TEST, Day 4 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar ➡ https://t.co/2wT1UwEcdi pic.twitter.com/DyZIF5GI9h

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 5, 2025

Duckett, who played a key role in England’s win at Leeds, was dismissed for a duck in the first innings by the Bihar-born pacer after edging one to the slips. In the second innings, the opener looked threatening, striking Mohammed Siraj for consecutive boundaries twice. However, it was Siraj who provided India with the initial breakthrough by removing Zak Crawley for a duck.

Akash Deep Knocks Over Root To Keep England On The Ropes

Akash Deep also dismissed England’s star batter Joe Root for just 6 runs, capping off a forgettable Test for the Yorkshireman. The former England captain was bowled in the 11th over when Deep delivered a full-length ball that moved away slightly and went through Root’s defence to hit the off-stump.

Earlier in the day, India resumed play with a commanding 244-run lead, which was extended by strong contributions from KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill. Gill built on his first-innings 269 with a superb 161, while Rahul, Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja all chipped in with composed half-centuries.

India eventually declared at 427/6, setting England a daunting target of 608. England currently lead the series 1-0, having successfully chased down 371 in Leeds with five wickets in hand.

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