Akash Deep bowled without any luck in the first innings at the Brisbane and he even got the praise from Australia’s Steve Smith, who he troubled the most. The 28-year-old seamer reveals how small tips from the Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has helped him a lot on his first tour of Australia.
“This is my first time in Australia. Jassi bhai has given me small tips, which has helped me,” he told media at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“He never complicates anything. He told me don’t get overexcited, stay discipline, wicket has enough here for the fast bowlers, just keep bowling the way you bowl in India,” he added.
Akash Deep picked up three wickets in Brisbane, scored a valuable 31, and forged a match-saving 47-run stand for the last wicket with Jasprit Bumrah. Akash Deep’s his ability to hit the length consistently has helped him get the praise.
India’s Akash Deep looks on during play on day five of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. (AP)
“It’s difficult bowling here. I have played only in India,” he said.
“Back home, there is less help for the seamers and we keep our length bit short.
“Here you get so much help especially with the new ball, and sometimes even if you are bowling well, you are only able to beat the batters. Then you feel that oh you can pitch it more fuller.
“As a fast bowler, you must stay in discipline.”
Steve Smith had showered praise on Akash calling him a “skillful bowler.” Akash feels he was bit unlucky to not get the prized wicket of Australian batter, who went on to score a century.
India’s Akash Deep appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of Australia’s Steve Smith during play on day two of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. (AP)
“When I troubled Steve Smith so many times and didn’t got his wicket I kind of started to questioning my luck,” he said.
“But then sometimes you bowl such spell and goes wicketless, these things are not in your control. We can only bowl in good areas.
“We can only trust the process. I can only bowl well. I executed my plans but I didn’t got the wicket. I enjoy my bowling rather than taking wickets,” he added.
On his batting, the pacer said: “For tailenders scoring 25-30 runs are very crucial. I always try to contribute. In Brisbane, I was not thinking about saving the follow-on, I was just thinking of not getting out.”
Why should you buy our Subscription?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package
