Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has congratulated pacer Akash Deep on his maiden Test call-up. Akash Deep has been added to India’s squad for the last three Tests against England in their five-match series.
Akash Deep has been called up for the final three Tests of the series as the fourth fast-bowling option for the hosts. Akash Deep has picked 103 wickets in 29 first-class matches, averaging 23.18 while bowling with an economy of 3.04.
Tiwary took to social media platform ‘X’ to congratulate Akash Deep, while calling his selection deserved. Akash Deep had an impressive outing for India A against England Lions, prompting his selection for the last three Tests.
“Very happy to see my younger teammate #AkashDeep getting selected in team India for the next three test matches against England. Deserved it 200 hundred percent. Thank u to the selectors for the genuine selection. Congratulations and best wishes always #BCCI,” Tiwary posted on ‘X’.
MENTAL FORTITUDE KEY IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET: AKASH DEEP
Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Kerala, Akash Deep said mental fortitude is the most important aspect in international cricket rather than skill.
“I was hopeful that in near future I might get a Test call-up if I keep performing but I didn’t expect that it would come by third match itself,” said Akash Deep.
“Inswing is my stock delivery but at this level, you need to have outswing and reverse swing and more importantly need to control the swing. I was in (India) ODI squad in South Africa and realised more than skill, at this level, it is more about mental strength of being able to execute plans under pressure,” Akash Deep added.
India squad announced: Fans react
England took the lead in the five-match series, with a nail-biting 28-run win in Hyderabad before losing the second Test in Vizag by 106 runs. England will be aiming to become the first team in 11 years to beat India in a Test series in India. Interestingly, the last team to achieve this feat was Alastair Cook’s England side in 2012/13.
India squad for last 3 Tests vs England
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
